nanoCT model: SkyScan2214 CMOS EDITION

The new MULTISCALE X-ray nanotomograph SKYSCAN 2214 CMOS EDITION covers the widest range of object sizes and spatial resolutions in a single instrument. It opens unique possibilities for 3D imaging and exact modeling of all types of biological samples, including mineralized tissues, soft tissues, plants, insects, paleontological samples, etc.

The instrument allows scanning and 3D non-destructive reconstruction of the internal microstructure of objects as large as 300mm in diameter as well as submicron resolution for small samples.

The system contains an "open type" transmission X-ray source with <0.5 microns spot size and a diamond window. It can be equipped with up to four different X-ray detectors for maximum flexibility: flat-panel for large objects, 16Mp CMOS with large field of view, 16Mp cooled CMOS with standard field of view, and 15Mp cooled CMOS for highest spatial resolution. Automatic variable acquisition geometry and phase-contrast enhancement allows best possible quality in relatively short scanning time.

The SKYSCAN 2214 CMOS EDITION is complemented by 3D.SUITE. This comprehensive software suite covers GPU-accelerated reconstruction, 2D/ 3D morphological analysis, as well as surface and volume rendering visualization.

The SKYSCAN 2214 CMOS EDITION uses a latest generation open-type X-ray source. The source offers true spatial resolution below 500 nm, an X-ray energy up to 160 keV and source power up to 16 W. The source is practically maintenance-free with an extremely easy pre-aligned filament replacement procedure.

The SKYSCAN 2214 CMOS EDITION has an open-type (pumped) nanofocus X-ray source with diamond window. It produces an X-ray beam with peak energy from 20 kV to 160 keV and is supplied with two types of cathodes. The tungsten (W) cathodes operate in the full range of accelerating voltages up to 160 kV and provide a spot size down to 800 nm. The lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathodes can be used for accelerating voltages from 20 kV to 100 kV and provide a spot size of the X-ray beam smaller than 500 nm to achieve the highest resolution in imaging and 3D reconstruction. The JIMA resolution pattern indicates that 500 nm structures can be easily resolved.

For long-term stability of the focal spot size and position of the emission point, the X-ray source is equipped with a liquid cooling system which contains a re-circulator providing precise temperature stability of the cooling fluid.

The SKYSCAN 2214 CMOS EDITION can be equipped with up to four X-ray cameras for ultimate flexibility: three CMOS cameras with different resolution and field of view and one large-area flat panel detector. All cameras can be selected with a single mouse click. The different CMOS cameras can be retro-fitted at any point of time during the system’s lifetime.

All three CMOS can take images in the central beam position and in two offset positions to double the field of view. The images in the two offset positions are automatically stitched together with compensation of the shifts and possible intensity differences.

Using CMOS detectors with small pixel size allows extension of high-resolution imaging and 3D reconstruction to large objects. The built-in detector flexibility enables adjusting the field of view and spatial resolution according to the object size and density. An advanced reconstruction from a volume of interest provides scanning of a selected part of a large object with high resolution without compromising image quality.

Additionally, the field of view can be increased horizontally and vertically by using offset camera positions and vertical object movement.