Multi-Scale Micro-CT Analysis

How multi-scale micro-CT analysis can be used to achieve the best micro-CT image quality, using geological samples as an example. How to get the best results from your micro-CT scanner, and achieve the highest resolution. If you have any questions about how to best use micro-CT analysis for your research, please get in touch:

 Contact us on 01223 422 269 or info@blue-scientific.com

 View the full range of micro-CT instruments

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Micro-CT Image Quality

The image quality that can be achieved with micro-CT (X-ray tomography) is closely related to the size of the sample. In some cases the required image quality and sample volume are not compatible. This problem can be solved by combining scan data acquired at different resolutions from different sample sizes.

Image Pixel Size

For any sample with a given dimension, the image pixel size depends on both the system geometry and the application.

The principle of computed tomography involves accounting for all attenuation coefficients of the material in the beam path. Material outside the field of view (truncated scanning) contributes to the attenuation only at certain angles. This leads to a misrepresentation of the greyscale value in the micro-CT image. Information from truncated scanning can be used for qualitative analysis. However, in a truncated scan there is no quantitative measurement of the amount of X-rays absorbed, and therefore no information about density. While morphometric analysis can be performed on truncated scans, density measurements require the sample to be scanned within the field of view of the camera.

The image pixel size depends on the system geometry: camera pixel size, and the distance between camera, object and source. A smaller pixel size can be achieved by moving the sample closer to the source. Zooming in is also possible with offset scanning, where the camera moves horizontally between two positions, and stitching the images together automatically. Higher resolution can also be achieved with truncated scanning. Even more is possible with adaptive geometry, which is can be performed with the Bruker SkyScan 1272 and 2214 micro-CT scanners.

Micro-CT image pixel size

How to achieve the highest possible micro-CT resolution. Image pixel size versus object diameter for the CCD in Bruker Skyscan multi-scale micro-CT.

Multi-Scale Micro-CT Analysis

The image pixel size gives the first indication of the resolution that can be achieved. The attenuation of the sample must also be taken into account. In principle, if the sample composition (physical and chemical) and the system characteristics (X-ray beam energy profile, detector sensitivity, etc) are known, the image resolution can be simulated. However, in the majority of cases, this is determined empirically or estimated based on previous experience.

Multi-scale micro-CT analysis

~38mm diameter plug

Multi-scale micro-CT analysis of geological samples

~9.5mm diameter plug

High resolution X-ray micro-CT

Cuboid with ~2.5mm side

Often in core analysis, CT scans from two and more length scales are combined. In the images above, a geological sample of Savonniere limestone was scanned at three resolutions. The images show a ~38mm diameter plug, a ~9.5mm diameter plug and a cuboid with a ~2.5mm side. The respective image pixel sizes are 22.0µm, 5.5µm and 2.0µm. The graph below shows the cumulative volume of the pore thickness.

Micro-CT pixel size

Information extracted from multi-scale analysis of various length scales can be combined to quantify and model the overall sample behaviour.

If you have any questions about multi-scale micro-CT analysis, and whether it would be suitable for your research, please contact us to discuss your application. Blue Scientific is the official UK supplier of the full range of Bruker SkyScan micro-CT instruments.

 Contact us on 01223 422 269 or info@blue-scientific.com

 View the full range of micro-CT instruments