- Microtomography
Microtomography, like
tomography , uses x-rays to create cross-sections of a 3D-object that later can be used to recreate a virtual model without destroying the original model.The term "micro" is used to indicate that the pixel sizes of the cross-sections are in the micrometer range. This also means that the machine is much smaller in design compared to the human version and is used to model smaller objects.These scanners are typically used for small animals (
in-vivo scanners), biomedical samples, foods, microfossils, and other studies for which minute detail is desired.The first X-ray microtomography system was conceived and built by Jim Elliott in the early 1980s. The first published X-ray microtomographic images were reconstructed slices of a small tropical snail, with pixel size about 50 micrometers. (JC Elliott and SD Dover. X-ray microtomography. J. Microscopy 126, 211-213, 1982.)
In 2005, [http://www.skyscan.be Skyscan] , a company that produces scientific instruments, introduced a nano-ct scanner, introducing the concept of
Nanotomography . Other companies producing such scanners include [http://www.xviewct.com North Star Imaging] and [http://xradia.com Xradia] for materials and semiconductor applications and [http://www.scanco.ch Scanco Medical AG ] for medical applications.__TOC__
Working principle
* Imaging system:
Fan beam reconstruction :The fan-beam system is based on a 1-dimensionalx-ray detector and an electronic x-ray source, creating 2-dimensionalcross-sections of the object. Typically used in humanComputed tomography systems.:Cone beam reconstruction :The cone-beam system is based on a 2-dimensional x-ray detector (camera ) and an electronic x-ray source, creatingprojection images that later will be used to reconstruct the image cross-sections.* Sample holder system:The sample stays still, and the camera and electronic x-ray source rotates.:This is best used for in-vivo animal scans, and other situations where the sample should remain unmoving, but is more expensive.:E.g.
SkyScan-1076 orSkyScan-1078 orScanco VivaCT 40 scanners for sample details. :The sample rotates, and the camera and electronic x-ray source stays still.:Much cheaper to build, since moving the sample requires fewer components than moving the camera and the electronic x-ray source.* Open/Closed systems:Open x-ray system :In an open system, x-rays may escape or leak out, thus the operator must stay behind a shield, have special protective clothing, or operate the scanner from a distance or a different room. Typical examples of these scanners are the human versions, or designed for big objects.:E.g. Scanco medical XtremeCT scanner or [http://www.xviewct.com/products North Star Imaging M-Series] systems.:Closed x-ray system :In a closed system, x-ray shielding is put around the scanner so the operator can put the scanner on his desk or special table. Although the scanner is shielded, care must be taken and the operator usually carries a dose meter, since x-rays have a tendency to be absorbed by metal and then re-emitted like an antenna. Although a typical scanner will produce a relatively harmless volume of x-rays, repeated scannings in a short timeframe could pose a danger. :Closed systems tend to become very heavy because lead is used to shield the x-rays. Therefore, the smaller scanners only have a small space for samples.:E.g.
SkyScan-1076 orSkyScan-1078 orScanco mCT 40 orScanco mCT 80 scanners or [http://www.xviewct.com/products/imagix-computed-tomography-system North Star Imaging ImagiX] .Typical use
*
Biomedical :*Both dead and alive (in vivo ) rat and mouse scanning.:*Human skin samples, smalltumors , micebone forosteoporosis research. :Seein vivo microCT scanners for scanning examples.
*Electronics :Small electronic components. E.g.DRAM IC in plastic case.
*Microdevices :E.g.spray nozzle
*Composite materials andmetallic foams :E.g. composite material with glass fibers 10 to 12micrometre s in diameter
*Polymers ,plastics :E.g.plastic foam
*Diamond s:E.g. detecting defects in adiamond and finding the best way to cut it.
*Food andseeds :* E.g. piece ofchocolate cake ,cookies :* 3-D Imaging of Foods Using X-Ray Microtomography [http://www.cb.uu.se/~cris/Documents/GIT2003.pdf]
*Wood andpaper :E.g. piece of wood to visualize year periodicity andcell structure
*Building materials :E.g.concrete after loading.
*Geology :E.g.sandstone
*Microfossils :E.g. bentonic foraminifers
*Space : E.g. Locating Stardust-like particles inaerogel using x-ray techniques [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2003/pdf/1228.pdf]
* Others:E.g.cigarettes
*Stereo images :Visualizing with blue and green or blue filters to see depthPublications
* [http://www.ecmjournal.org/journal/supplements/vol009supp01/pdf/v009supp01a24.pdf Synchrotron and non synchrotron X-ray microtomography threedimensional representation of bone ingrowth in calcium phosphate biomaterials]
* [http://www.ndt.net/article/wcndt00/papers/idn399/idn399.htm Microfocus X-ray Computer Tomography in Materials Research]
* [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2003/pdf/1228.pdf Locating Stardust-like particles in aerogel using x-ray techniques]
* [http://www.cb.uu.se/~cris/Documents/GIT2003.pdf 3-D Imaging of Foods Using X-Ray Microtomography]
* [http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=544194 Use of micro CT to study kidney stones]External links
* [http://www.xviewct.com/ NSI Computed Tomography & Micro Computed Tomography systems, laboratory and service in the USA]
* [http://www.ugct.ugent.be Ghent University Centre for Tomography]
* [http://www.xraylab.com XRaylab.com Microtomography Reconstruction Software]
* [http://xct.anu.edu.au/ Australian National University micro-CT laboratory]
* [http://www.ctlab.geo.utexas.edu/ University of Texas micro-CT laboratory]
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