Nanotomography

Nanotomography, much like its related modalities tomography and microtomography, uses x-rays to create cross-sections from a 3D-object that later can be used to recreate a virtual model without destroying the original model, applying Nondestructive testing. The term nano is used to indicate that the pixel sizes of the cross-sections are in the nanometer range

Although a lot of research is done to create nano-CT scanners, currently there are only a few available commercially. The SkyScan-2011 [1] has a range of about 150 to 250 nanometers per pixel with a resolution of 400 nm and a field of view (FOV) of 200 micrometers. The Xradia nanoXCT [2] has a spatial resolution of better than 50 nm and a FOV of 16 micrometers.

At the Ghent University, the UGCT team developed a nano-CT scanner based on commercially available components. The UGCT facility is an open nano-CT facility giving access to scientists from universities, institutes and industry. More information can be found at UGCT-website.

References

• Tkachuk, A, Duewer, F, Cui, H, Feser, M, Wang, S and Yun, W (2007) "X-ray computed tomography in Zernike phase contrast mode at 8 keV with 50-nm resolution using Cu rotation anode X-ray source", Z. Kristallogr. 222.