X-Ray Applications

Micro Computer Tomography (µCT)

Computer tomography (CT) has been used as one of the most versatile techniques in the medical field since 1973 for non-invasive investigations. Though CT has been used in many other fields such as industry, archaeology, life and geosciences, it is limited in spatial resolution. The best spatial resolution achievable by conventional CT instruments is ~ 0.5 mm. Unfortunately, to examine the internal structure of extremely small objects at a sub-millimeter scale, this technique is insufficient.

Micro computer tomography (µCT)overcomes this limitation with the availability of high-resolution, high-dynamic range CCD cameras, high-resolution scintillators, micro-focus X-ray tubes with an optical focal spot of < 1 µm (or synchrotron X-ray source), and software algorithms to reconstruct 3D images. A typical system consists of an X-ray source, a rotating table with a sample holder and a CCD camera with a computer. Depending on the X-ray source, i.e., a micro-focus X-ray tube or a synchrotron X-ray source, a fiberoptic- or optical lens -coupled system is used to project an image onto a CCD camera. The best resolution delivered by these instruments is around 4 µm.