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| CSIRO | SOLVE | Issue 6 Feb 06 | |
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ARTICLE
INSTRUMENTATION:
X-ray Vision Takes a Look Inside By Tony Kaye
Scientists are using the penetrating power of X-rays to see at a microscopic level the internal structures of even opaque and multi-layer objects. Australian scientists have taken X-ray technology to a new level, using high-powered microscopes to actually see inside tiny objects for the first time and capture high-resolution images of their sub-surface structures. Until recently, X-ray technology was unable to achieve high-resolution imaging results at the microscopic level, particularly on objects with very weak X-ray absorption characteristics. Powerful X-ray microscopes and experiments with a variety of X-ray phase-contrast imaging techniques have enabled scientists to use the penetrating power of X-rays to directly image the internal microstructures of even opaque and multilayer objects. It is now possible to use X-rays to see inside objects such as micro-electronic components, structural materials used in aerospace, ceramics, metal foams and even minerals. Using tomographic imaging techniques – which involve taking X-ray images of an object from many different angles to create a three-dimensional image – it is possible to rotate and view multilayers within an object to observe even minute imperfections. Developed by researchers from CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology’s X-ray Science and Instrumentation team and their commercial spin-off company XRT Limited, the X-ray methods and instruments are helping companies to develop stronger, more robust products and to detect preliminary manufacturing defects before the companies move to full-scale production.
“We have developed instruments and methods that bring 2D X-ray imaging and 3D X-ray tomography down to the microscopic scale,” says Dr Stephen Wilkins, CSIRO’s X-ray Science and Instrumentation team leader. “These instruments and methods are being commercialised by XRT. They have been applied to projects inside and outside of CSIRO in the areas of materials science, space science, life science, food inspection, microelectronics and geology.” CSIRO’s breakthroughs in this area began about 10 years ago, and the technology is improving continually. Dr Wilkins says his team is regarded as leading the world in key aspects of interpreting the X-ray data. “We’re moving ahead with the whole technology, and aiming to push the resolution in micro-tomography to much lower values. We’ve got a strong group here that’s pushing these things to new limits. CSIRO’s equipment is arguably the most versatile high-resolution X-ray microscope capable of sub-100 nm resolution available in a conventional laboratory, although similar or better results can be achieved using a synchrotron.” XRT has sold some products but is also licensing technology to one of the major world players in the area of accessories for scanning electron microscopes. As well as areas such as biotechnology, there are also high-value applications such as in characterisation of micro-electronic devices and materials being developed for next-generation energy production. “The uses are quite varied,” Dr Wilkins says. “We have been looking at tissue scaffolds for growing new tissue; mineral samples, and micro-electronic samples for major companies. We are also working on the study of bone properties, aerospace materials and intergalactic cosmic dust, and there is interest from the oil exploration sector looking at the porous structure of rocks.” APPLICATION From oil exploration to aerospace materials and intergalactic cosmic dust, the new X-ray microscopes can be used to observe even minute imperfections
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XRT has brought together a powerful combination of scientific, technical and commercial skills to deliver innovative products for X-ray ultramicroscopy and X-ray phase contrast radiography. An X-ray ultramicroscope can deliver submicron resolution of the internal structures of opaque and multi-layer objects down to below 100 nanometres (nm), while phase-contrast imaging with commercial X-ray microfocus sources enables improved contrast with resolution down to of the order of a micron or so. These latter systems provide the capability to see small, weakly absorbing features in relatively large samples.
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