A research group led by Professor TANIMORI Toru (currently Professor Emeritus) and Associate Professor Atsushi Takada of the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, developed the world's first technology for the complete visualization of gamma rays in 2017, achieving remote image measurement of radiation (February 3, 2017: External Site).
In 2018, the group succeeded in the world's first direct observation of diffuse gamma rays from the galactic center, announcing the results in an international academic journal (2022: External Site).
This revolutionary technology was named ETCC: Electron Tracking Compton Camera. To achieve the social implementation of ETCC, we developed Image-based Radiation Dose Monitoring Technology.
Following its application to improve efficiency and safety in 3D radiation image measurement of radioactive waste during nuclear power plant decommissioning (Selected for joint research by a major utility provider in 2025: External Site), we are pursuing further possibilities for utilization in resource map creation for lunar resource exploration (Selected for NEDO's SBIR Promotion Program in 2025: External Site), Nuclear Medicine, Homeland Security (nuclear material detection in CBRNE), and combustion control in nuclear fusion.
Using ETCC, we have succeeded in the 3D video capturing and quantitative measurement of radioactive gas outflows from an operating small-scale nuclear reactor, detecting levels significantly lower than regulatory standards. We achieved real-time imaging of minute changes in radiation levels at nuclear facilities—previously impossible—by measuring the source location and diffusion changes of weak radioactive gas as video, which cannot be measured by conventional measurement methods. We demonstrated that this technology enables detection and response at the initial stage through remote image measurement, combined with AI advanced through image processing (2022: External Site).
By remotely measuring radiation conditions at nuclear power plants via imaging, we create 3D visualizations of wide-area radiation distribution, including airborne radiation. Data provided by ETCC improves the accuracy of radiation dispersion predictions.
ETCC solves the challenges of conventional imaging methods like SPECT/PET. It realizes innovative monitoring of RI pharmacokinetics with low exposure and low cost, playing a major role in the realization of theranostics.
ETCC enables precise responses to nuclear terrorism and dirty bombs aimed at radiation dispersal. It contributes to the strengthening of nuclear security.
We visualize the behavior of high-speed ions in plasma by eliminating noise, elucidating where abnormalities are occurring in the plasma to contribute to stable operation.
Our world-first gamma-ray imaging capability was demonstrated in space during a 2018 joint experiment between JAXA and Kyoto University that observed the Milky Way galaxy. By creating lunar resource maps through gamma-ray observation, we contribute to the realization of lunar resource exploration.
