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 density materials will transmit less X-Rays than low density 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:
