Technique:
Similar to a hospital CAT scanning system, Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique (4-D with time-based measurements) that uses a highly energetic X-Ray beam to create a series of 2D projections, whose greyscales vary with the volume’s internal density and atomic number variations. These projections are reconstructed to create a virtual 3D model, allowing users to “see” inside the sample without preparing, sectioning or destroying the sample.
In principal, Micro-CT directs onto a sample a beam of X-Rays that are generated within an X-Ray source; these X-Rays are transmitted through the sample. The efficiency of transmission is dependent on density and atomic number variations within the sample volume, such that higher atomic number materials will transmit less X-Rays than low atomic number materials. The transmitted X-Rays are then magnified onto and recorded by a planar detector as a 2D projection. The sample is rotated by a fraction of a degree and another 2D cross-section image is recorded, which is repeated up to 360 degrees. This series of images is then computed and “reconstructed” into a high-resolution 3D volume, showing internal density variations within the sample.
Instrument:
Zeiss Xradia 410 Versa Micro-CT
System Capabilities:
Selected Applications in Industry:
