SkyScan has recently launched two instruments for X-ray tomography: the stand-alone SkyScan 1173 X-ray scanner and the MicroCT attachment for X-ray microtomography in a scanning electron microscope.
The SkyScan 1173 is a high-energy X-ray microcomputed tomography scanner for large and dense objects. It includes a newly developed 130 kV microfocus X-ray source with improved stability of the focal spot position, a large format (5 Mp) flat panel sensor with special protection from a lead-glass fiber-optic window for long lifetime under high-energy X-ray radiation, and a precision object manipulator for large (up to 150 mm) and heavy (several kg) objects with an embedded micropositioning stage. The scanner is controlled by a powerful workstation under Microsoft Windows Vista with a wide screen 24” UltraSharp display using TrueColour technology for high image quality.
SkyScan’s MicroCT attachment for scanning electron microscopes comprises several modules that add a 3D imaging modality to any SEM without compromising standard imaging modes. The attachment does not require any changes to the standard SEM construction. SkyScan’s MicroCT attachment can be installed in any new SEM or retrofitted to old instruments.
The microscanner contains the target to produce X-ray radiation, an object rotation stage, and a motorized linear stage to vary the distance between the X-ray emission point and the object for adjusting the magnification of the X-ray images. The microscanner can be installed inside the specimen chamber in place of standard object holders. A camera assembly is attached to the flange in the side wall of the specimen chamber. It contains an X-ray camera, a vacuum feed through for connection to the microscanner, and a shutter with an alignment pattern. The camera assembly is connected to the microscanner controller which takes power and receives commands from a USB port and controls all movement of the microscanner parts. The X-ray camera is also connected to the computer via a USB interface.
