Editing X-ray machine (section)

==Advances in X-ray technology==
[[File:NomadPortableDentalXRayCropped.jpg|thumb|right|5.5-pound (2.5 kg) dental digital X-ray system under testing in 2011<ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/55379/deployed-dentists-test-lightweight-mobile-x-ray-system/ "Deployed dentists test lightweight mobile X-ray system"], Spc. Jonathan W. Thomas, 16th Mobile [[Public affairs (military)|Public Affairs Detachment]], April 21, 2011, www.army.mil.  Fetched from URL on April 25, 2011.</ref>]]
A film of [[carbon nanotube]]s (as a cathode) that emits electrons at room temperature when exposed to an electrical field has been fashioned into an X-ray device. An array of these emitters can be placed around a target item to be scanned and the images from each emitter can be assembled by computer software to provide a 3-dimensional image of the target in a fraction of the time it takes using a conventional X-ray device. The system also allows rapid, precise control, enabling prospective physiological gated imaging.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/aug06/zhounanotube080206.htm | title = UNC News release -- New method of using nanotube x-rays creates CT images faster than traditional scanners | access-date = 2012-08-20 | author = Zhang | display-authors = etal | archive-date = 2014-08-24 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140824045217/http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/aug06/zhounanotube080206.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Engineers at the [[University of Missouri]] (MU), [[Columbia, Missouri|Columbia]], have invented a compact source of x-rays and other forms of radiation.
The radiation source is the size of a stick of gum and could be used to create portable x-ray scanners. A prototype handheld x-ray scanner using the source could be manufactured in as soon as three years.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.healthimaging.com/topics/diagnostic-imaging/mu-researchers-develop-super-compact-x-ray-source| title = MU researchers develop super compact x-ray source | access-date = 2013-01-19 | author = Editorial Staff | date = 9 January 2013 }}</ref>