Low Energy X-ray Imaging
The development of innovative X-ray Computed-Tomography (XCT) methods is an outstanding capability of Empa's Center for X-ray Analytics. Combined with state-of-the-art image reconstruction and processing, using in-house and commercial tools, it offers quantitative, qualitative and non-destructive analysis for a wide range of materials and samples with spatial resolutions down below one micrometer.
Special X-ray imaging methods are also available for specific materials. Low-absorption contrast materials can be analysed with X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging (PCI), samples with nano-structures by X-ray Dark-Field Imaging (DFI) tools. This extensive know-how is complemented with development projects for novel X-ray sources and detectors. The Center offers unique possibilities to advance X-ray analytics to new levels and make it accessible for material classes where it was not used before.
Basic and applied developments in the domains of coating characterisation, wood analysis, rope improvements, bone-mineral density analysis, biofilm imaging, cartilage imaging, artefact reduction and many others are part of the activities of the group.
Examples
Virtual Institute New X-ray Analytical Methods in Materials Science
The VI-NXMM is a cooperation of eight real academic institutes all active in the domain of X-ray technology. Since 2011 it develops novel methods and instruments for X-ray materials analysis. It is financed by the German Helmholtz-Society and involves universities, government labs and Helmholtz-centres themselves. In total 39 scientists cooperate in the Virtual Institute. Examples of its activities comprise high-precision X-ray lenses and mirrors for nano-imaging and nano-diffraction applications, or grating based X-ray phase-contrast-, darkfield- and vector-imaging.
More information: http://www.x-ray-imaging.eu
