Ultrafast laser-driven X-ray tomographic imaging for early detection of breast cancer: XPulse Project
The XPulse project is a pioneering initiative led by a consortium of research and clinical partners — ALPhANOV, CELIA, Imagine Optics, and the Bergonié Institute — with Amplitude heavily involved in the development of the laser technology at the heart of the system. The goal: to create a breakthrough 3D X-ray imaging platform using ultrafast lasers to improve the early detection of breast cancer.
XPulse Phases I & II: Laying the Foundation
Initial tests successfully validated the X-ray conversion efficiency and long-term stability using Amplitude’s MAGMA 25 ultrafast laser. These results marked a major step toward high-performance, laser-based medical imaging.
“Supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region from the outset, XPulse has now entered its second cycle,” explains Antoine Courjaud, Product Line Manager at Amplitude. “We are developing a new laser source — 10 times more powerful than in the initial phases, in order to record images 10 times faster”
This new-generation laser will be integrated by ALPhANOV into a unique tomographic imaging system, which will then be evaluated at the Imaging Center of the University Hospital of Bordeaux.
In addition to medical imaging, the laser-driven X-ray source jointly developed with ALPhANOV through XPulse also enables advanced applications such as time-resolved X-ray Diffraction for material science (photovoltaics) or microtomography for non-destructive testing.
XPulse 2: Toward Clinical Validation
Launched in 2023 and continuing through to 2026, this second milestone aims to transform the XPulse prototype into a fully operational tomographic imaging system capable of conducting medical tests with laser-generated X-rays.
The system must demonstrate the relevance of the technology by validating four major differentiating factors in mammography:
- Improved contrast and resolution of medical images
- Reduced radiation dose delivered to the patient
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, with fewer false negatives and better identification of false positives
- Improved patient comfort, thanks to compression-free breast imaging
Project Funding
XPulse Phases I & II were co-funded by the European Union and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region under the FEDER/FSE/IEJ Aquitaine programme, with a total combined funding amount of €2,398,145 (€1,337,020 for Phase I and €1,061,125 for Phase II).
XPulse 2 is now underway and is also co-funded by the European Union and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region under the FEDER and FSE+ programme, with a total funding amount of €1,510,457.