MICRO- & NANOTOMOGRAPHY

How Does X-Ray Microtomography Work?

Step 1

Acquisition of Projection Images

In X-Ray microtomography, the sample is positioned between the finely focused X-Ray source and the detector. The detector acquires projection images while the sample rotates incrementally around its own axis. Geometric magnification is achieved by moving the sample closer to the source.

Step 2

Reconstruction of Spatial Density

A filtered rear projection according to Feldkamp reconstructs the spatial sample density. The result is encoded as an image stack with an isotropic voxel size. A brighter grayscale value correlates with a higher sample density. Air is usually displayed in black.

Step 3

Data Analysis and Visualization

The reconstructed dataset is visualized by 3D volume rendering. Numerous applications are available from 3D analysis:

  • Error analysis of components and applicators
  • Analysis of density distributions
  • Pore, inclusion and particle analysis
  • Length and volume measurement
  • Metrology and CAD comparison
  • Grid models for simulations

Video Tutorial

Computed Tomography

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rainer Schwab, University of Karlsruhe,
supported by RJL Micro & Analytic GmbH