Scintillators play an important role in modern X-ray machines. They contain chemical substances that convert X-rays into visible light and thus make it possible to portray an image on an electronic display. Manfred Fuchs, 55, from Erlangen/Germany has long specialized in developing phosphor coatings for X-ray detectors and improving them so that patients are exposed to less radiation. Fuchs works for Siemens Healthcare in Erlangen.