Siemens Medical Solutions and Xintek, a developer of nano-based imaging technologies, have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company in Research Triangle Park, N.C., to develop a multi-pixel x-ray source technology for a broad range of diagnostic imaging applications. The jointly-owned company will be called XinRay Systems.

Siemens and Xintek are developing a nanotechnology-based field emission x-ray source technology, which the companies predict will enable new diagnostic imaging systems with enhanced performance and new capabilities.

The joint venture company will formally establish the research and development that has already been taking place between Siemens and Xintek in Research Triangle Park over the past two years.