Applications of triple GEM detectors beyond particle and nuclear physics

Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGD) have opened the way for the construction of detectors whose performance surpasses that of the previous generations in terms of spatial resolution, high-rate capability and increased radiation hardness. Led by the Micro-Mesh Gaseous Structure (Micromegas) and the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM), some MPGDs are mature technologies used in a variety of experiments at high energy physics. What we report in this article is the experience explored in the last years with a compact GEM detector system in several applications as medical imaging, dosimetry and beam diagnostics for high energy beams and for nuclear reactors. For sake of shortness, only performance on soft X-ray and neutron detection will be described in detail. Also a description of the new promising highly pixelated GEM detector will be presented.