Grazing Incidence Optics for Neutron Analysis and Imaging Docket: UAH-P-08001 Technology Researchers at UAH have developed a new technology to produce a high-contrast image of an object with a high content of light elements. The technology uses neutron beams to obtain the image. This method overcomes the problem which conventional (X-ray) techniques have, in that light elements have low x-ray absorption. Neutrons are highly desirable for light-element imaging due to their ability to penetrate through materials with heavy-element content, while being attenuated by some light elements. Previously, imaging neutron objects was limited to chromatic refractive lenses, thus preventing them from high-spatial-resolution imaging. Applications Geological search for oil, water, natural gas, and other light element resources Surveillance, mapping, and detection Medical imaging and therapies Micro-biological research Material science and structure analysis Land mine field mapping Advantages High spatial resolution More accurate and precise than conventional surveillance and mapping techniques Smaller radiation dose to patient during medical imaging Cost effective High signal-to-noise ratio in material analysis Status State of Development: Prototype Licensing Status: Available for licensing Patent Status: Proprietary