At the Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 (M&M 2013) conference in Indianapolis, Indiana (US), Zeiss introduced an X-ray microscopy (XRM) solution that increases throughput for 3D imaging at the nanoscale by up to 10 times. Using a series of technical advances to achieve better contrast and faster acquisition, the Zeiss Xradia 810 Ultra transforms the X-ray imaging model in scientific and industrial research laboratories.
Xradia 810 Ultra operates at 5.4 kilo-electron volts (keV), a lower dose of X-ray energy that delivers higher contrast and image quality for many materials. Contrast improves as these low-energy X-rays are absorbed more strongly, enabling high-quality tomographies to be completed in reduced imaging times. The Zeiss business unit X-ray Microscopy engineered the Xradia 810 Ultra architecture around this new source energy, using modern optics to extend the capabilities of the Xradia Ultra family, which are lab-based non-destructive imaging solutions that achieve resolution down to 50 nanometres (nm).
By making lab-based nanoscale X-ray imaging an order of magnitude faster, Xradia 810 Ultra optimises the business case for XRM in both science and industry:
• In oil and gas feasibility studies, measurements used in digital rock physics to characterise critical parameters such as porosity and tortuosity (i.e., having many turns) can now be conducted in a few hours. The contrast delivered by Xradia 810 Ultra optimises imaging of carbonate rock as well as shale.
• 4D and in situ studies, in which internal structure is imaged repeatedly over time and under varying conditions, can now be performed in a fraction of the time making these experiments more accessible to a larger number of researchers. As compared to physical sectioning methods, the non-destructive XRM approach can now claim a speed advantage for similar volumes when compared to serial section (i.e., slice and view) techniques.
• Higher absorption contrast at 5.4keV, in addition to Zernike phase contrast, makes high-resolution X-ray imaging viable for a variety of low Z and bio materials such as polymers and tissue samples.
• In central microscopy labs where researchers use XRM systems, the cost per sample for subscribing users is reduced, which will expose this technology to a broader base of researchers.
Along with nano scale-resolution, Xradia 810 Ultra leverages both absorption and Zernike phase contrast and advanced optics adapted from the synchrotron to deliver high resolution and contrast. The system advances the Zeiss philosophy of introducing timely, high-powered solutions that extend the limits of exploration to enable breakthrough research in laboratories worldwide. The Xradia 810 Ultra microscope system is available for orders.
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