Applications of X-ray Imaging

X-ray imaging is a non-destructive technique that has a very large range of application, in fields such as bio-medicine, materials science, engineering, environmental science and nanotechnology. The techniques allow high-speed visualisation of a sample or retrieval of 3-dimensional information to view and measure the internal structure of a sample. Below are some examples of imaging research conducted at Diamond.

Electrochemistry

Using high-resolution phase contrast X-ray tomography to monitor lithium deposits, in lithium battery cells. Read our article.

Food

Performing time-resolved X-ray tomography to follow the phase evolution in ice cream as temperature fluctuates. Read our case study.

Health

Detecting fine cracks within biological materials using high resolution X-ray absorption tomography. Read our case study.

Engineering

Utilising high-speed radiography to follow the temporal and spatial changes of laser and powder interactions while forming additive manufactured components. Read our case study.

Nuclear

Combining multiple beamlines and techniques to solve a problem. This study used X-ray absorption tomography and micro-fluorescence to study radioactive particles at Fukushima. Read our case study.

Catalysis

Probing the elemental distribution of elements within a catalyst using microfocus X-ray Fluorescence and X-ray Diffraction Computed Tomography. Read our case study.

Imaging case studies

Characterising a novel vaccine platform

Activirosomes Ltd used advanced imaging at Diamond Light Source to assess vaccine delivery batches for Chikungunya—reducing reliance on animal studies and improving manufacturing quality.

Aerosol filtration in a wall flow filter

Using synchrotron micro-CT at Diamond, researchers from Johnson Matthey visualised how particulate matter interacts with diesel filters in real time—advancing emissions control technologies and clean air innovation.

Investigating novel drug delivery platforms

AstraZeneca used high-energy X-ray tomography at Diamond Light Source to visualise how injected drug formulations disperse in tissue—advancing the design of long-acting therapies.

How the structure of soil affects plant growth

The University of Sheffield, Diamond Light Source, and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source used X-ray and neutron imaging to reveal how soil aggregate size affects wheat root development—informing better soil management for crop yield.

Enabling cleaner air through novel engine oil formulations

ULubrizol and Corning Environmental Technologies used X-ray tomography at Diamond Light Source to non-destructively examine ash accumulation in gasoline particulate filters—linking engine oil additive chemistry to filter performance and fuel economy.

Debris particles from Fukushima

Scientists from the University of Bristol, in partnership with JAEA, used a unique combination of tomography and micro-fluorescence techniques at Diamond Light Source to analyse radioactive particles from the Fukushima site—revealing their structure, composition, and long-term environmental risks.

Laser Additive Manufacturing

Researchers from the Research Complex at Harwell, Diamond Light Source’s I12 beamline, and the Central Laser Facility have developed a bespoke Laser Additive Manufacturing machine to study ultra-fast laser-powder interactions. Using high-speed X-ray imaging, they’ve mapped key mechanisms to optimise 3D printing for aerospace, energy and biomedical applications.

Manchester - Electrospun fibres

A collaboration between the University of Manchester, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the Research Complex at Harwell used Diamond Light Source’s I13-2 beamline to study the failure mechanisms of electrospun polymer fibres. Their findings offer new insights for regenerative medicine and biomedical applications.

Pfizer - Visualising coating integrity

Pfizer worked with Diamond Light Source to investigate coating porosity in bead-based drug products. Using high-resolution X-ray tomography on beamline I13-2, the team identified structural differences between batches, helping to ensure consistent drug release profiles.

Imperial College - Osteoporosis research

Researchers from Imperial College London used Diamond Light Source to investigate how long-term alendronate therapy affects bone strength. Their findings reveal that while short-term use improves bone density, extended treatment may lead to microcracks and increased fracture risk.

New discovery in malaria life-cycle

A collaboration between Diamond Light Source, Birkbeck, the Francis Crick Institute, and King’s College London has revealed new insights into how malaria parasites exit red blood cells. Using cryo soft X-ray tomography, the team captured key stages of egress, laying the groundwork for next-generation anti-malarial therapies.

Unilever - microstructure of ice cream

Researchers from the University of Manchester and Unilever used Diamond Light Source’s I13-2 beamline to study how temperature fluctuations affect the microstructure of ice cream. High-resolution X-ray tomography revealed how processing and storage conditions influence crystal and air cell formation.

Bristol - ILW Containment

Researchers from the University of Bristol and Diamond Light Source developed a non-invasive method to study uranium corrosion in ILW canisters. Using tomography and diffraction on beamline I12, the team identified corrosion products and assessed long-term containment safety.

Related techniques

Cryo-soft X-ray tomography (cryo-SXT)