Zeiss launches crystallographic CT system

31 Mar 2021

Enables 3D crystallographic imaging such as for AM, ceramics, and pharmaceutical samples.

Zeiss Research Microscopy Solutions (ZRMS), a developer of non-destructive 3D imaging systems, has launched the Xradia CrystalCT micro-computed tomography (microCT) system. This is designed to enable 3D crystallographic imaging of polycrystalline materials for a range of metal, additive manufacturing, ceramic, and pharmaceutical samples.

The new microCT delivers diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) on a traditional computed tomography system, allowing researchers to complement absorption contrast tomography data with crystallographic information in three dimensions. It is the latest Xradia platform to deliver DCT, developed in collaboration with Xnovo Technology, a developer of lab-based diffraction imaging systems.

Large volume grain mapping, increasing data volume representativeness compared to traditional, destructive 3D crystallographic methods, is enabled by acquisition modes that provide stitch-free scanning for fast and accurate 3D grain data, says ZRMS.

“Advanced scanning modes remove limitations of size and acquisition speed for common samples in high-productivity lab settings. The ability to run larger sample sizes removes limitations in the lab, resulting in a faster time to analysis,” says the launch statement.

Understanding material properties

ZRMS adds that the ability to image grain structure and quantify underlying crystallographic orientation in materials is instrumental to understanding their properties: “The non-destructive nature of microCT imaging facilitates the understanding of microstructural evolution in situ, characterizing the impact of thermal, mechanical, or environmental conditions on material behavior.”

DCT imaging was previously only available from a synchrotron until it was enabled by Zeiss’s Xradia 620 Versa 3D X-ray microscope as an extension module. The Xradia CrystalCT is built on the stable Zeiss Xradia Versa base.

“With CrystalCT, we bring years of leading innovation and advancements on our Xradia Versa platforms to a much wider audience,” said Daniel Sims, head of ZEISS X-ray Microscopy. “The market-shaping CrystalCT offers proven performance for a range of 3D imaging needs. This platform is highly extendable with a wide range of add-on capabilities and can be upgraded to the top of the line Versa models as their business and laboratory needs expand.”

Erik Lauridsen, CEO of Xnovo, commented, “By building on our proven expertise in data reconstruction and analysis, we were able to transfer the DCT method to a micro-computed tomography platform. ZEISS’ microCT system provides an ideal environment for this implementation.”