ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions and Xnovo Technology have partnered to deliver revolutionary laboratory diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) capability. Using 3D grain mapping, DCT on a microCT brings the ability to image single-phase polycrystalline materials within reach of technical and industrial research labs, covering a wide range of metal, mineral, ceramic, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical samples in 3D. The purpose-built ZEISS Xradia CrystalCT incorporates precisely designed aperture and beam stop assemblies to harness divergent, polychromatic X-ray beams to illuminate a region of interest and increase sensitivity to weaker diffraction signals of polycrystalline samples. Innovative DCT acquisition modes remove the limitations for larger sample sizes, providing you with the ability to research more sample types. Seamless large volume grain mapping enables scanning samples faster and with more accurate representation of data.

ZEISS Xradia CrystalCT advances materials characterization, modeling, and discovery through ground-breaking diffraction scanning modes.

• Provides unprecedented sample representivity.
• Enables scanning larger sample volumes.
• Simplifies sample prep and handling of irregular/natural sample shapes.
• Increases speed.
• Addresses sample specificity.

These advanced modes overcome some of the previous challenges of conventional DCT data collection that assume the sample ROI is fully illuminated by the aperture field of view (FOV) for all rotational angles of the sample. Inspired by nature’s golden angle, advanced diffraction scanning modes deliver helical phyllotaxis schema to manage a wide range of sample shapes and sizes.

ZEISS leverages its powerful Xradia technology to deliver world-leading performance on a microCT. With a robust stage, flexible software-controlled source/sample/detector positioning, and a large array detector, you can obtain high quality, high resolution scans with best-in-class contrast. Image entire objects or devices to reveal interior details in their full 3D context. Faster acquisition speeds enable you to run samples in a shorter time, increasing your productivity and profitability. Non-destructive CT also enables in situ and 4D studies to understand practically the impact of varying conditions over time. The ZEISS Xradia imaging system combines its proven hardware architecture with state-of-the-art stability and drift compensation features. It is because of the superior stability of this renowned platform that CrystalCT consistently surpasses one’s comprehension of what a microCT can achieve.

• Complementary information from high resolution absorption contrast tomography and non-destructive 3D grain mapping delivering size, shape, orientation, and grain boundary information.
• Non-destructive insights into interior microstructures and overlaid grain maps not visible by surface imaging methods such as optical or scanning electron microscopy.
• Ability to segment and analyze data to obtain quantitative, 3D descriptions of structures and particles.
• 4D imaging through ex situ or in situ experiments to see how materials evolve, e.g., through mechanical load or corrosion.
  

• Understand grain size and phase evolution in 3D for insight into alloy performance and its dependence on thermal and mechanical processes.
• Export real 3D structures for physics simulations: predict materials properties (mechanical, thermal, etc.) or digital rock simulations using non-destructive 3D tomography data imaging, characterization, and modeling of rock cores (up to 4”) with high throughput.
• High contrast 3D imaging for in situ flow studies or 3D mineralogy.
  

• Accommodate a range of sample sizes including large objects in their full 3D context, complementing with 3D grain maps in specific applications.
• Perform crystallography-based print quality assessment in 3D printed metal parts.
• High throughput scanning of intact devices with fast time to results.
• Complement or replace physical cross sectioning and eliminate the need to sacrifice your sample.
  

• Image either stained or unstained hard and soft tissues and biological microstructures with high contrast.
• Quick, non-destructive verification of sample staining and location of features for subsequent imaging using 3D electron microscopy.