X-ray vision dives deep to boost safety, inspection and response
image: ORNL researchers developed a portable underwater X-ray imaging system that can immediately produce pictures of the interior of suspicious objects or check the integrity of infrastructure.
Credit: ORNL/U.S. Department of Energy
X-ray imaging is useful for seeing inside objects without causing damage, but until now it was not practical for use underwater. Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers have developed the first X-ray imaging system that clearly reveals the interior of suspicious objects or infrastructure underwater.
A diver handling the compact, lightweight system can immediately view the X-ray images. The team also developed processing techniques that improve image clarity, offsetting the reduced intensity of X-rays as they pass through liquid.
“Until now, no practical underwater X-ray generator existed,” said ORNL’s Paul Groth. “Seeing inside submerged objects required a source of gamma radiation that posed safety risks for the diver and the marine environment,” and usually also caused delays for image processing on land. The innovation is being commercialized by industry partner The Sexton Corporation and won a 2025 R&D100 Award for innovation.
The new imaging platform, which has been field tested in ocean environments, could eventually be enhanced for inspecting ships and weld joints on bridge supports, pipelines and oil rigs. – S. Heather Duncan