Laboratories

LARIX is a multidisciplinary laboratory suitable for applications in data engineering, X-ray diagnostics, detector calibration, and crystallography. Three main research groups operate within the facility: the Medical Physics group, the Archaeometry group, and the High-Energy Astrophysics group. LARIX is supported by the University of Ferrara, the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and is structured into three sections: LARIX-A, LARIX-T, and LARIX-B.

🩻 LARIX-A hosts three beamlines for X-ray imaging and sample characterization in the biomedical, natural sciences, and cultural heritage fields. These include a high-resolution microtomography beamline, a quasi-monochromatic X-ray beamline with tunable energy between 10 and 35 keV, and a multipurpose planar imaging beamline.  On these beamlines, our group develops and tests innovative X-ray imaging detectors and techniques, such as photon counting-detectors. They are also widely used for hands-on experimental courses, training activities, and science dissemination and outreach.

🖼️ At LARIX-B, a (transportable, also in situ) scanner is installed for high-resolution radiography of large-scale works of art, such as paintings. Additionally, facilities for cultural heritage include the XRF (X-ray fluorescence) laboratory and the multispectral imaging laboratory (VIS-IR-UV). More information here. 

🌠 Two additional beamlines are used for High-Energy Astrophysics activities: one is installed at LARIX-A, while the second is located inside the 100 m tunnel of LARIX-T and can provide a low-divergence polychromatic gamma-ray beam. These facilities are used for performing ground calibrations and testing of instruments for X-ray astronomy.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced instrumentation for the development, testing, and characterization of innovative detectors for ionizing radiation. Research activities focus in particular on radioactivity measurements and imaging detectors for applications in nuclear medicine and radiology.

The laboratory hosts a beta radiation counter based on the TDCR (Triple-to-Double Coincidence Ratio) technique, enabling absolute radioactivity measurements in liquid solutions. This system is used to accurately quantify the activity of radiopharmaceuticals produced by particle accelerators for nuclear medicine applications.

The facility also includes prototype detection systems for SPECT and PET imaging, supporting preclinical research aimed at evaluating the performance and image quality of novel detector technologies. In parallel, a set of state-of-the-art computing workstations provides the computational resources needed for tomographic image reconstruction, image analysis, and the development of artificial intelligence methods in medical imaging.

The Medical Physics Detector Teaching Laboratory is equipped for X-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy, as well as for measurements aimed at the characterization of imaging detectors. 

🧑‍🏫 The lab is used to support educational activities and outreach initiatives, particularly those directed toward high school students.

☢️ The laboratory features a complete spectroscopic setup based on sodium iodide (NaI) scintillation detectors coupled to photomultipliers, along with the necessary readout electronics and signal digitization systems. It also features a light-tight chamber with motorized stages for characterization and testing of imaging detectors (such as CCD and photon-counting detectors), and a bench with a stand for optical acquisitions with variable magnification.