X-ray astronomy telescopes are designed to capture the faintest signals from distant stars and galaxies. For such deep space imaging to work, ultra-precise detection systems are essential. In addition, because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs most x-rays from space, x-ray telescopes like NASA’s Chandra or the ESA’s Newton XMM must be placed in orbit. The detectors used in these imaging platforms consequently need to be highly compact and lightweight too. While working on this cutting-edge space technology Prof. John Lees of the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy and Prof. Alan Perkins, a medical physicist at the University of Nottingham, observed these essential characteristics and saw an opportunity in nuclear medicine.
The scientists subsequently began development of the first prototype hand-held gamma camera. By incorporating an optical image with a perfectly matched field of view, independent of imaging angle or distance, the cameras could fuse gamma detection with a real-time visual image. A high-resolution imaging device capable of detecting gamma rays and localising the source with pinpoint accuracy would allow clinicians to identify the exact location and distribution of gamma sources within the human body. Following successful bench tests, clinical trials, and publication of peer-reviewed research, patent applications were filed.
The fused optical overlay, mapping gamma images to the visible world in real time, enhanced usability and brought new use cases into play. Recognising the potential impact of a compact, portable gamma camera as an alternative to the traditional, room-sized imaging systems, Serac Imaging Systems then secured an exclusive licence to develop and commercialise the technology.
From prototype to product
To bring the research prototype to commercial reality required scalability, manufacturability, and compliance with stringent medical device standards. Serac engaged the TTP design consultancy to support this work.
Key developments during the commercialisation process included:
- Enhanced detector tuning for superior spatial resolution.
- Signal amplification, boosting sensitivity for faster image acquisition.
- A fully integrated design eliminating the need for external electronics.
- A software application with an intuitive graphical user interface.
- Stabilised performance over prolonged operating periods even at elevated ambient temperatures.
These refinements resulted in the Seracam® mobile gamma-optical imaging solution. Now in clinical beta testing, final prototypes have been deployed in real-world settings with over 150 patients imaged so far. The integration of high-resolution gamma imaging with real-time visual overlays is also showing its potential in image-guided surgery within the operating room.
Serac Imaging Systems is now preparing to submit regulatory applications, paving the way for commercial entry to the global medical market.
Industrial applications
While Serac Imaging Systems focused on medical applications, Dr Sarah Bugby, a member of the original academic research team, began to consider opportunities for the technology in the nuclear industry. Fusing live gamma and optical video images could empower operators with real-time visual localisation of radioactive sources, enabling immediate feedback at the point of use to make tasks easier, quicker and more effective.
Dr Bugby subsequently launched an academic initiative at Loughborough University to demonstrate the power of Gamma-Optical Video Imaging (GOVI) as a next-generation tool for nuclear decommissioning.
Supported by Sellafield Ltd.’s “Game Changers” programme, Dr Bugby’s project explored the potential for the camera for post-operational clean out of legacy glove boxes at Sellafield. Overlaying radiation maps onto live video feeds opened new possibilities for safer, more efficient and more thorough clean-up operations.
“It’s a small device, you can hold it in your hand and scan across an area and it will show you exactly where the radiation is, what shape it is, how many counts you’re getting. The feedback you get is in real time, with the overlaid optical and gamma video you can track sources as you move them. Or choose an area to clean and watch as the counts decrease until the cleaning is no longer making a difference, giving you a clear endpoint,” said Dr Bugby, commenting on the device.
Following successful proof-of-concept testing, attention shifted toward full-scale commercial deployment and the transition from prototype to market-ready product that would align with operational needs and integrate seamlessly into workflows. The rigorous standards set for medical devices result in a design that naturally lends itself to nuclear decommissioning applications. Key features that translate across the industries include:
- Easily cleaned surfaces, ensuring hygiene and usability in sensitive areas.
- A fully sealed system preventing ingress of contamination.
- Omission of active cooling fans, so that airborne contaminants are not disturbed.
- Stand-alone operation with built-in cybersecurity measures.
- Compliance with stringent electrical and mechanical safety regulations.
- Meeting electromagnetic and electrostatic emissions and vulnerability requirements.
- Small form factor (15cm / 6 inch diameter) with intuitive plug-and-play operation.
With its high precision imaging capability and live video display, Seracam® is now ready to be deployed across industrial nuclear applications in multiple configurations designed to extend the value of gamma-optical video imaging. These include:
- Integration with robotic arms to distance the user from the radioactive environment.
- Remotely operated vehicle and drone-mounted imaging for access to hazardous areas.
- Battery-powered models for enhanced field portability.
- Underwater configurations for submerged radioactive source localisation.
- Machine learning algorithms for automated image feature recognition and enhanced data insights.
From deep space exploration to medical advancements and industrial solutions, by adapting advanced technology from the space-based X-ray observatories, a compact, high-resolution hand-held camera that fuses gamma detection with real-time optical video imaging for precise spatial localisation of gamma sources has emerged. Harnessing surgical precision for industrial use is now enabling operators to ‘see radiation’ in real time at the point of use to pinpoint radioactive sources and increase safety and efficiency.
