Micro-X’s carbon nanotube x-ray technology explained

Published:
May 4, 2023
by
Rebecca Puddy

Micro-X has successfully developed the world’s first carbon nanotube (CNT) based x-ray tube for medical applications. This unique technology achieves both the high x-ray current, and the stable x-ray output required for safe and effective medical imaging. The performance of Micro-X CNT tubes is achieved through two patented design features of the CNT emitter that differentiate the emitter for other field-emission emitters. In this presentation, Micro-X will present an overview of the emitter design and share emitter data demonstrating the high current and stable performance.

CNT x-rays are smaller and simpler compared to conventional x-ray tubes. CNT x-ray tubes are controlled by direct electronic voltage instead of the indirect thermionic control of conventional x-ray. These differences enable new imaging systems to be developed. In this presentation, Brian overviews the four different products Micro-X has designed taking advantage of the advantages of the CNT x-ray. This includes a lightweight mobile digital x-ray imaging system to bring x-ray directly to a patient bedside, an x-ray camera that creates two-dimensional x-ray backscatter images with the x-ray source and detector on a single side, a compact lightweight CT for early diagnosis of stroke, and a reimaged airport checkpoint based around a miniaturized CT baggage scanner.

(Hero image: A Micro-X carbon nanotube emitter viewed through a scanning electron microscope at 20,000x magnification)

More information can be found here:

International Organization of Medical Physics

X-ray cameraLightweight mobile digital x-ray imaging system

Compact lightweight CT

Miniaturized CT baggage scanner

Micro-X’s carbon nanotube x-ray technology explained

Published:
June 12, 2025
by
Rebecca Puddy
CEO-Americas and Chief Scientist Brian Gonzales presented on Micro-X’s carbon nanotube technology to the International Organization of Medical Physics on 25th April 2023.

Micro-X has successfully developed the world’s first carbon nanotube (CNT) based x-ray tube for medical applications. This unique technology achieves both the high x-ray current, and the stable x-ray output required for safe and effective medical imaging. The performance of Micro-X CNT tubes is achieved through two patented design features of the CNT emitter that differentiate the emitter for other field-emission emitters. In this presentation, Micro-X will present an overview of the emitter design and share emitter data demonstrating the high current and stable performance.

CNT x-rays are smaller and simpler compared to conventional x-ray tubes. CNT x-ray tubes are controlled by direct electronic voltage instead of the indirect thermionic control of conventional x-ray. These differences enable new imaging systems to be developed. In this presentation, Brian overviews the four different products Micro-X has designed taking advantage of the advantages of the CNT x-ray. This includes a lightweight mobile digital x-ray imaging system to bring x-ray directly to a patient bedside, an x-ray camera that creates two-dimensional x-ray backscatter images with the x-ray source and detector on a single side, a compact lightweight CT for early diagnosis of stroke, and a reimaged airport checkpoint based around a miniaturized CT baggage scanner.

(Hero image: A Micro-X carbon nanotube emitter viewed through a scanning electron microscope at 20,000x magnification)

More information can be found here:

International Organization of Medical Physics

X-ray cameraLightweight mobile digital x-ray imaging system

Compact lightweight CT

Miniaturized CT baggage scanner

Latest News & Media

All News
Staff Spotlight: Apollo Heidal - Building the Future of Imaging
arrow up right
July 3, 2025

Meet Apollo Heidal, a software engineer at Micro-X combining hands-on hardware skills with cutting-edge threat recognition software. From assembling Checkpoints modules to designing algorithms, Apollo works across teams to deliver next-generation security innovation. Learn how his work reflects Micro-X’s mission to push boundaries in CT and advanced imaging solutions.

Newsletter 2, 2025
arrow up right
June 24, 2025

In this June 2025 edition, we share key updates on our Rover Plus Mobile X-ray sales expansion, Full Body CT development progress under the ARPA-H program, and the refinement of our Head CT for stroke diagnosis. You’ll also find news on our Checkpoint prototype trials with the US Department of Homeland Security, our Baggage Scanner partnership with Billion Prima, and our recognition as one of Australia’s Top 10 Most Innovative Manufacturers.

Micro-X Investor Open Day Showcases Breakthrough Imaging Technology
arrow up right
May 29, 2025

Discover how Micro-X is revolutionising X-ray imaging with cutting-edge carbon nanotube technology. This recap of our Investor Open Day at Tonsley showcases breakthroughs in mobile CT, airport security screening, and digital X-ray innovation. Watch the full investor presentation to see how our proprietary imaging platform - including NEX Technology, solid-state high voltage generators, and advanced switching - delivers world-leading performance.

X Symbol

Driving positive change for a better tomorrow

Micro-X creates revolutionary 
X-ray technology to better lives.

Our Purpose
X Symbol

Transforming Industries

Find out how Micro-X is creating new opportunities for industries across the world.

Find out more
X Symbol

Our success lies in our people

They’re the visionaries and innovators behind our X-ray technology, products, culture and ethos.

Meet the team

Register here to receive updates

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.