LASERS IN ACTION
Lasers assist ExoMars mission
MRI brain imaging uses silicon
photomultiplier technology
We have proven that
laser micromachining is
here, it can work and has
the potential to be the
number one technology
of the future
Laser micromachining, from LML has developed a way of
expertise based in Wales, UK, is producing the very fine patterns
playing a crucial role in the on the platinum-coated rod
European Space Agency’s which can essentially create a
ExoMars mission. miniature electrical circuit. By
Laser Micromachining (LML), connecting sensitive electronics Low light sensing company SensL’s SPMArray (Position
based at St Asaph’s Technium to this platinum circuit and SensL has supplied its silicon Sensitive/Multi-Anode Silicon
OpTIC, is using its laser measuring the response of this photomultiplier technology to Photomultiplier Array) into
micromachining expertise to device it is then possible to help construct two PET/MRI their PET/MRI systems. The
produce a critical element that detect the strength and direction brain imaging systems. SPMArray is a solid-state,
will help measure the wind of the wind. The imaging systems will be large array detector based on
speed and direction on the dusty ‘The major challenge was to housed in two institutions: silicon photomultiplier
red planet. The anemometer, as produce extremely fine and Samsung Medical Centre, technology.
the instrument is better known, accurate patterns, as small as Sungkyunkwan University, in The SPMArray will be of
is set to be housed on the robotic two hundredths of a millimetre, Seoul, Korea and the particular interest to
Rover vehicle on the ExoMars over the surface of a circular Department of Radiology/ developers of detector systems
mission set to launch in 2016. rod. We are proud to say that Molecular Imaging Program at for applications such as PET,
ExoMars is a European-led through the expertise and Stanford University in gamma camera, and radiation
space exploration mission, world-class facilities here at California, USA. detection for medical and
currently under development by LML we have delivered what Both Samsung Medical security purposes requiring
the European Space Agency many thought was not possible Centre and Stanford very sensitive, low-light
(ESA), that will send a robotic and the detectors are being University will integrate detector arrays.
Rover vehicle to the surface of tested as we speak,’ said LML
Mars. The mission will search for general manager Dr Nadeem
signs of life on Mars, survey the Rizvi. ‘Not only has our INDUSTRY NEWS IN BRIEF
Martian terrain and study the technology produced the
interior make-up of the red strongest accuracies demanded l Lasys, the international members for 2009-2011, with
planet. Data from the mission in space projects, but we have trade fair for system solutions Rajesh Patel of Newport
should provide valuable input proven that laser in laser material processing, Spectra Physics taking on the
for broader studies of exobiology micromachining is here, it can will be held for the second post of president. Other
(the study of organisms work and has the potential to be time in Stuttgart from 8 to 10 officers taking up posts as a
originating from outside of the number one technology of June 2010 alongside two laser result of an election held at
Earth) as well as the search for the future.’ symposiums in the the LIA’s ICALEO event last
life on other planets. LML is also part of the XGEN accompanying programme: October include Nathaniel
The anemometer, one of the consortium, which was the Stuttgart Laser Technology Quick of AppliCote Associates
scientific instruments used to established in 2007 and consists Forum, and the International as president elect, Andreas
gather data on the robotic Rover, of three Welsh Micro/ Symposium on Laser Ostendorf of Ruhr-University
requires a small rod of glass Nanotechnology Centres of Precision Microfabrication. Bochum as past president,
coated with a very thin layer of expertise. XGEN is a Welsh Klaus Loffler of Trumpf as
platinum (about a one Assembly Government initiative l The Laser Institute of secretary, and Stephen Capp
thousandth of the thickness of a designed to ensure industry has America has announced its of Laserage Technology as
human hair). By using its laser open access to state-of-the-art 2009 offices, and its board treasurer.
micromachining technology, facilities and equipment.
6 LASER SYSTEMS EUROPE • issue 2 www.lasersystemseurope.com
LSEspr09 pp04-07 News.indd 6 3/3/09 10:41:57
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