MicroCT Facility

Micro-computed tomography with Zeiss Xradia 620 Versa X-ray microscope

The College of Science Engineering (CoSE) Analytical Suite MicroCT Facility houses a Zeiss Xradia 620 Versa X-ray microscope (XRM). This system uses X-rays to non-destructively produce 3D volumetric images (i.e. internal and external features) of a wide range of samples; including but not limited to biology, geology, engineering and materials science. The CoSE microCT can image 0.15 – 30mm diameter samples at spatial resolutions between 0.5 - 120 µm, resolution is not limited to sample size as this system uses objective lenses (4x, 20x and 40x) to achieve high resolution imaging.

Contrast in microCT scans is based on differences in density within the object, for some sample types such as soft tissues this contrast can be enhanced with staining agents (diceCT). In addition, it is possible to perform propagation phase contrast imaging (to visualise edges in low-z samples); dual energy imaging (to improve differentiation between materials); in situ imaging (to perform µCT imaging in controlled environments); and 4D imaging (to track changes in 3 dimensions over time).

Specifications

• Spatial resolution: 0.5 – 120µm
• Voxel size: 0.04 – 40µm
• Source voltage: 30 – 160kV
• Source max power: 25W
• Field of View range: 0.15 – 30mm diameter (actual sample size can be larger)
• Max sample weight: 25kg
• Stage max travel: X – 50mm, Y – 100mm, Z – 50mm
• Detector: 2,000 x 2,000 pixel 16-bit CCD
• Objective lenses: 0.4x, 4x, 20x, 40x
• Automatic Filter Changer (calcium fluoride, glass, copper alloy and tungsten)
• Absorption and propagation phase contrast imaging
• Scout and Zoom: create higher resolution sub-samples using only higher magnification
• Wide Field and Vertical Stitching scans
• High aspect ratio and dual energy tomography
• In Situ and 4D tomography

Access

Please send an application form to the facility manager (Daniel Bribiesca Sykes), after which you will be contacted to discuss your project, booking time and costs.

The MicroCT Facility is accessible by anyone wishing to perform a research project using this system (charges apply based on usage).

Please feel free to contact the facility manager with any enquiries before submitting an application.

 

Pricing & Contact

To discuss your project, access fees or booking instrument time please contact Dr Daniel Bribiesca Sykes.

MicroCT Facility, College of Science and Engineering, Molema Building, University of Glasgow.