University of Oslo – UiO Hub

The hub at UiO (Prof. Reseland and Prof. Haugen) collaborates with numerous national and international research groups and industries (see letters of intent) where the focus area is X-ray imaging of medical biopsies and devices, biomaterials and implants.

Facility Manager: Dr. Liebert P. Nogueira (l.p.nogueira@odont.uio.no)

 

Bruker Multiscale SkyScan 2211

The system contains an “open type” [pumped] X-ray source (20 – 190 kV) with submicron spot size and two X-ray detectors: 3 Mp flat-panel for large objects and 11 Mp cooled CCD for scanning with the highest resolution. Automatically variable acquisition geometry and phase-contrast enhancement allow obtaining the best possible quality in relatively short scanning time.

For reconstruction, it counts with the world’s fastest hierarchical 3D reconstruction software, which speeds-up reconstruction of object’s internal microstructure 10-100 times compared to traditionally used algorithms or GPU-accelerated reconstruction.

The new MULTISCALE x-ray nanotomograph SKYSCAN 2211 covers the widest range of object sizes and spatial resolutions in one single instrument. It opens unique possibilities for even more detailed look into the 3D structure of biological tissues and tissue-material interfaces. The resolution can go down to about 300 nm for very small samples. As a multiscale CT, it can also perform scans in objects as large as 200 mm in diameter.

 

Small sample positioned near the x-ray source

The system contains “open type” [pumped] X-ray source (20 – 190 kV) with submicron spot size and two X-ray detectors: 3 Mp flat-panel for large objects and 11 Mp cooled CCD for scanning with the highest resolution. Automatically variable acquisition geometry and phase-contrast enhancement allow obtaining the best possible quality in relatively short scanning time. For reconstruction, it counts with the world’s fastest hierarchical 3D reconstruction software, which speeds-up reconstruction of object’s internal microstructure 10-100 times compared to traditionally used algorithms or GPU-accelerated reconstruction.

Bruker MicroCT SkyScan 1172

The SkyScan 1172 scanner is a MicroCT intermediate-high resolution levels (up to 0.8 µm resolution), with an innovative dynamically variable acquisition geometry that provides the shortest scan times possible at any magnification, allowing scans several times faster (obtaining the same or better image quality) compared to micro-CT systems with a fixed source-detector design. The large-format cooled x-ray digital camera achieves high spatial resolution without compromising sample size. Fast scan and reconstruction throughput is supported by a computer cluster option, which reconstructs scan datasets in less time than the scan duration in most cases, using several PCs in parallel. Cross-section images are generated in a wide range of formats up to 8k x 8k pixels.

Specifications for the Skyscan 1172

  • Detail detectability: < 1 µm;
  • Low contrast resolution (10% MTF): 5 µm;
  • Pixel size at maximum magnification: 0.7 µm to 25 µm;
  • Continuously variable from < 1µm to 25 µm;
  • Gives flexibility to choose based on tissues and user needs. X-ray source: Sealed microfocus X-ray tube, air-cooled;
  • Spot size < 5µm @ 4 W;
  • X-ray source: 20-100 kV, 0-250 µA (10 W max).

Variable X-ray energy range from 20-100 kV without a reduction in spot size, which improves contrast for low-density samples (lung, liver, etc). Both camera and sample can be moved closer to source to achieve this variation or alteration in contrast, as needed for the density of the specimen. X-ray detector (camera): 11 Megapixel (4000 x 2300 pixels) 12-bit digital CCD-camera (50 mm field of view). Can be moved closer to specimen to improve resolution. Corrections Thermal drift corrections – a source spot correction

Both NanoCT and MicroCT systems are headed by Dr. Liebert P. Nogueira.