A scanning focussed vertical ion nanobeam: A new UK facility for cell irradiation and analysis

A new initiative to build a vertical scanning focussed nanobeam is outlined. This is a collaboration between the Gray Cancer Institute and the University of Surrey. The new beam line will operate in both single ion and full current modes and will enable the irradiation of single cells in vitro with precisely counted numbers of ions, it will also enable the analysis of cells in vitro. The beam will be focussed and scanned and should be capable of irradiating 100,000 cells per hour. A new end station will enable the cells to be irradiated in an environmentally controlled environment and will enable the cells to be imaged both on-line and off-line. The beam line will be housed in its own purpose built building, with the area around the end station comprising a biological clean room.