DARPA award for advancing X-ray technology

Praneeth Kandlakunta, research assistant professor of nuclear engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at The Ohio State University, has received a DARPA-STTR Phase II award for his project, “A microstructured target for high-efficiency X-ray production.”

The project builds on Phase I work that established the feasibility of a novel microstructured X-ray target design. Initial experiments conducted at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center confirmed the potential to double the efficiency of conventional X-ray targets, which are typically limited to about 10%.

The Phase II work aims to refine the target’s design and integrate it into an advanced electron-to-X-ray conversion system. Kandlakunta’s team will conduct rigorous testing to evaluate the system’s performance under high electron beam currents and explore solutions to ensure consistent and reliable performance under thermomechanical stresses. The ultimate goal is to develop an industrially viable system capable of operating continuously under realistic conditions for food treatment with high-energy and high-power electron beams.

This innovative approach has broad implications, extending beyond food irradiation to healthcare and other industries where efficient X-ray technology can drive advancements.  “By addressing the limitations of conventional X-ray targets, we hope to create a pathway for new X-ray technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability across critical industries,” Kandlakunta said.

For further information, please see this Ohio State University news item →