X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR MATERIALS & LIFE SCIENCES

Resource links

1. Introduction

This is an introduction to the X-ray computed tomography (CT) technique. You will learn how X-ray CT works and how it can be applied to scientific research. It will include an introduction to the technique, instrumentation, and application examples. Download presentation slides - Introduction

• Tree experiment in 1984: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0167508784902023

2. Data Analysis

This is an overview of X-ray CT data analysis techniques starting with basic image processing and leading to traditional thresholding segmentation, machine learning based segmentation, and quantitative analysis. A number of commonly used data analysis and visualization programs will be discussed and demonstrated to help beginners to get an idea of where to start and select the right analysis tool for their needs. Download presentation slides - Data Analysis

• Deep Learning Chapter 1 Introduction presented by Ian Goodfellow
• Introduction to Deep Learning recorded webinar by ORS
• Neural Networks by 3Blue1Brown
• Commercial and open-source analysis software
• You might also like: "Let's Talk X-ray Imaging" blog article - How to Get Started with X-ray CT Image Analysis in 3 Steps

3. Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples in the food and pharmaceutical industries are discussed. Examples include the analyses of cracks and aggregation inside tablets, tablet and drug particle coating thicknesses, air pocket size distributions in food, and sugar coating thicknesses of candies. Download presentation slides - Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

• Lipitor and its generic alternatives dissolution analysis: Fukami et al. (2016), J. Drug Deliv. Sci. Technol., 31, 35-40.
• An example of crystallization analysis: Neilly et al. (2020), J. Pharm. Sci., 109(1), 3078-3085.

4. Foams and Composite Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples of foams and composite materials are discussed. Examples include the analysis of foam porosity, cell size, and cell wall thicknesses as well as void distribution and fiber orientation in composite materials. Download presentation slides - Foams and Composite Applications

• QRM Micro-CT BarPattern Phantom resolution chart: www.qrm.de
• JIMA RT RC-02B high-resolution chart: www.jima.jp

5. Plant Science Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples for plants and seeds are discussed. Examples include the non-destructive characterization of plant traits for ripening fruit, seeds, and root systems. Additionally, analysis of cell wall thicknesses and void distribution among different seed varieties are presented. Download presentation slides - Plant Science Applications

• Dental wax - Corning Utility Wax Red
• Parafilm - Parafilm M PM992
• UV resign - Bondic LED UV Plastic Welder

6. Geology Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples of geological samples are discussed. Examples include the analysis of cracks, pores, inclusions, and phase quantification of rocks and drill cores. We also introduce available resources for pore network analysis that can be applied to rock CT scans. Download presentation slides - Geology Applications

• Dragonfly image analysis software
• Dragonfly Daily webinar series
• Open PNM tool

7. Life Science Applications

A 3D look at the structures of a reptile, insects, and a mouse, including their stained organs are presented. You will learn how to deal with unique challenges in life science sample preparation and how to conduct quantitative analyses. Download presentation slides - Life Science Applications

• Pansy seed germination process and application of the phase retrieval: Kunishima et al. (2020), Plant Methods, 16, 7.
• Rigaku Journal article: https://www.rigaku.com/journal/winter-2020-volume-36-no-1/33-36

8. Metrology Applications

Basics of metrology analysis and a number of X-ray CT application examples are discussed. Examples include size and shape measurements of metal and plastic parts, tolerancing evaluation, comparison of nominal (CAD) and actual (CT) or a golden standard, and a test subject. We also introduce available resources to learn more about X-ray CT metrology. Download presentation slides - Metrology Applications

• SIMULIA software
• Ansys software
• Hexagon Digimat 
• Hexagon Q-DAS Statistics software
• Volume Graphics Webinars
• GD&T introduction video 1: #GD&T (Part 1: Basic Set-up Procedure) 
• GD&T introduction video 2: #GD&T (Part 2: Gauges, Dimensioning and Errors)

9. 4D and In-situ Applications

You will learn the keys to successful 4D and in-situ X-ray CT measurements and how to plan experiments. A number of applications are presented. Examples include observation of foam under compression, drug degradation process, and seed germination process. Download presentation slides - 4D and In-situ Applications

• Pansy seed germination process and application of the phase retrieval: Kunishima et al. (2020), Plant Methods, 16, 7.

10. Preparing Life Science Samples

You will learn sample preparation techniques for life science samples. These samples typically require preservation to ensure that ‘as lifelike as possible’ CT data can be collected. Additionally, these types of samples typically have low density contrast and thus benefit from staining. Different techniques will be discussed, and examples of X-ray CT data for life science samples are presented. Download presentation slides - Preparing Life Science Samples

• Theory and practice of fixation of tissues - Study of ideal fixatives: Eltoum et al. (2001), J. Histotechnol., 24 (3), 173–19
• Penetration rate of fixatives, original work: Medawar et al. (1941), J. R. Microsc. Soc., 61(1-2), 46-57
• Penetration rate of fixatives, more recent work: Dempster et al. (1960), Am. J. Anat., 107 (1), 59–72
• Contrast comparison of staining agents: Metscher et al. (2009), Dev. Dyn., 238 (3), 632–640
• Wet and dried pig heart comparison: Pallares-Lupon et al. (2021), bioRxiv 2021.07.29.454121
• Micro-CT imaging of paraffin-embedded human Lung tissue: Scott et al. (2015), PLoS ONE,10(6), 0126230
• Micro-CT study of the vertebrate embryo: Metscher et al. (2011), Cold Spring Harb. Protoc., 2011(12), 067033
• You might also like: "Let's Talk X-ray Imaging" blog article - How to Improve X-ray Contrast for Organic Samples