Method and Measuring Device for X-ray Fluorescence Measurement

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This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging, particularly for medical applications such as locating and identifying the presence of nanoparticles or biomarkers (such as gold nanoparticles) inside a subject (like a human body). The core innovation is a scanning system that can significantly detect low concentrations of these target particles by using an array of detectors equipped with special shields (lamellas) and clever signal processing to strongly reduce background noise, allowing for high-sensitivity, low-dose imaging. The detectors are arranged so that only the most statistically significant signals are used to identify and locate the target particles within the body, enabling precise molecular imaging without the drawbacks of existing techniques like PET (Positron Emission Tomography).

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• Medical diagnostics for early tumor detection by tracking accumulation of gold nanoparticles or other markers.
• Monitoring the in-vivo distribution and pharmacokinetics of drugs tagged with XRF-detectable particles.
• Non-invasive localization of specific biomarkers (e.g., antibodies) in organs and tissues for personalized medicine.
• Quality control and internal assessment of non-biological objects where distribution of certain elements or materials needs mapping.
• Research studies in molecular imaging and development of new contrast agents for XRF imaging.

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• Enables highly sensitive detection of low concentrations of biomarkers or nanoparticles in large objects, such as the human body, which was previously not feasible with older XRF methods.
• Reduces the radiation dose required for molecular imaging compared to PET or previous XRF techniques, improving patient safety.
• Provides higher spatial resolution and sensitivity, allowing earlier and more precise diagnosis of diseases like cancer.
• Minimizes background noise by innovative detector design and signal processing, yielding clearer, more reliable images.
• Allows for real-time and longitudinal studies of drug distribution and biomarker localization without the need for reinjection of tracers or repeated high-dose exposures.

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Patent Abstract

A method for an x-ray fluorescence measurement, in which the presence of fluorescing target particles is captured in an object (1) to be examined and target particles that are present are localized in the object (1), comprises the steps of (a) producing an x-ray beam (2) by means of a source device (10), wherein the x-ray beam (2) extends through the object (1) in an x-ray beam direction parallel to a first projection direction, (b) irradiating the object (1) with the x-ray beam (2) at a multiplicity of scan positions in a first projection plane, wherein the scan positions are set by a scanning device (20), by means of which the source device and the object (1) are moved relative to one another, (c) detecting x-ray radiation, emitted from the object (1) in a plurality of spatial directions, at each scan position using a detector array device (30), which is securely connected to the source device (10), wherein the detector array device (30) comprises a multiplicity of spectrally selective detector elements (31), which are arranged to detect the x-ray radiation in the multiplicity of spatial directions, and a plurality of stop lamellas (32), which extend in radial directions relative to the x-ray beam direction, which shield the detector elements (31) from x-ray radiation scattered in the object (1) and which are arranged in such a way that the detector elements (31) are able to detect x-ray radiation from all locations within the volume of the x-ray beam in the object (1), and (d) processing detector signals of the detector elements in order to capture x-ray fluorescence of target particles in the detected x-ray radiation and in order to localize the target particles in the object (1) if the x-ray fluorescence is captured, wherein a subset of significant detector elements (31) is sought after for each of a multiplicity of predetermined scan positions, the detector signals of said detector elements facilitating the capture of the x-ray fluorescence of the target particles with a statistical significance that is elevated in comparison with the remaining detector elements (31), and, if significant detector elements (31) are found at at least one scan position, the presence of target particles is captured and this scan position is established as a target scan position, at which the target particles are localized in the first projection plane, or, if significant detector elements (31) are found at no scan position, the presence of no target particles is captured. An x-ray fluorescence measuring apparatus is also described.