This system can be used to irradiate models in vivo (rats and mice) and in vitro (cell cultures). In addition, the integrated imaging system (OptiMAX) can provide bioluminescence imaging, 2D X-ray imaging and radioisotope imaging.

This irradiator has an X-ray generator with a voltage range of 5-225kV and an intensity range of 0.5-30mA. This allows different types of animals and samples to be irradiated. Additionally, the exposure time can be determined, which is a limiting factor depending on the strain of the mouse.

Certain parts of the device also make it possible to focalise radiation on a specific organ to protect the animal when total body irradiation is not necessary.

Apart from irradiation of animals for other reasons, some practical applications are:

• bone marrow myeloablation
• oncological radiotherapy
• irradiation of in vitro cells or biological samples (blood)
• study of DNA repair processes

The camera's ability to detect photons and convert them into electrons, which are later processed and visualised, also enables highly sensitive bioluminescence and radioisotope imaging. Powerful 2D X-ray imaging can be performed as well.

The imaging process can be performed both in vivo and ex vivo.