Inelastic x-ray and γ-ray scattering studies were the first step of expansion; this was followed by small angle x-ray scattering, specific applications in medical physics and x-ray spectroscopy. A common factor in all these cases was the use of synchrotron radiation, the Division of X-ray Physics is the leading Finnish user of international large scale synchrotron facilities.

During the last years medical imaging, biophysics and detector development for space research have been new activities of the division. All these involve close interdisciplinary collaboration.

Basic and applied research

The use of x-rays is involved in almost all research in the Division of X-ray Physics. The electronic, structural and magnetic properties in condensed matter offer a challenging target of basic research. Medical imaging and biophysics connect the expertise of the division with the rapid development in the studies of biological systems. Developing and testing x-ray detectors, used in space research, is a new interdisciplinary project of the division.

Versatile properties of synchrotron radiation make it one of the main tools in the research of the division. European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, is the destination of about 30 visits in a year. Inelastic x-ray scattering and absorption spectroscopy is used as a tool to characterise the electronic properties of novel materials, the physics of the batteries of mobile phones is one example of applications.

Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) gives information about the size and shape of particles in samples which are often too complicated to study using other methods. In close collaboration with chemists, biologists and wood industry, structural properties of cellulose, starch, tailored polymers and protein molecules, for example, have been studied.

Medical imaging using synchrotron radiation has produced interesting results in many areas of medicine. Using a special technique, based on the specific absorption of x-rays in an artificially injected agent, it is possible to produce high resolution pictures and functioning of heart and lungs. SAXS method on the other hand has turned out to be successful in cancer research.

In addition to the development of x-ray detectors for space research, the knowledge in the radiation physics has lead to several other applications which include commercial products for elemental analysis and non-destructive determination of the thicknesses of multiple layer structures used in electronics.