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  1. Industry Services
  2. Techniques Available
  3. Imaging
  4. X-ray Imaging

X-ray Imaging

X-ray Imaging and Tomography

​X-ray imaging, or radiography, is the oldest X-ray technique and typically uses a large incident high-flux X-ray beam transmitted through a sample, to provide detailed information below the surface of a material.  This can involve full-field imaging – where the whole sample is illuminated, or through scanning, where the beam is focused to a small spot which is scanned across the sample.

The high intensity and energy of the synchrotron X-rays at Diamond make it possible to image a much larger range of materials and sample thicknesses than conventional X-ray sources, and the brilliance of the synchrotron source produces very high resolution images.

These high intensity X-rays also permit very fast measurements for high speed imaging experiments (<1 μm) which allow you to look at changes in your sample during real-time, in situ experiments.

The main imaging techniques applied at Diamond are 2D Absorption Contrast Imaging and Phase-Contrast Imaging, and 3D Tomography. The type of approach taken will depend upon the complexity and dynamic nature of the sample to be studied.

Our dedicated imaging service for industry ensures you are fully supported by our team of expert scientists. They will consult with you to find the best solutions, conduct experiments on your behalf, and can also perform image reconstruction and analysis.

sample prepBeamlineViewing data on computer

Benefits of synchrotron X-rays

  • High-flux X-ray beams allow images to be acquired at much greater rates than using a laboratory source with improved signal to noise ratio
  • Small beam sizes and optics produce images with a resolution of less than 1 μm
  • The X-ray energy is tuneable and contrast can be enhanced by varying the X-ray energy
  • The tuneable energy can also be used to provide elemental contrast by comparing images above and below an absorption edge

The benefits of using imaging techniques at Diamond

  • Multiple dedicated beamlines for imaging, to accommodate a wide range of requirements
  • Access to a high energy beamline to access data on larger, denser imaging
  • Dedicated industry team of expert scientists

Applications

X-ray imaging is a non-destructive technique that has a very large range of application, in fields such as bio-medicine, materials science, engineering, environmental science and nanotechnology. The techniques allow high speed visualisation of a sample or retrieval of 3-dimensional information to view and measure the internal structure of a sample. Below are some examples of imaging research conducted at Diamond.

  • Catalysis
  • Electrochemistry
  • Engineering
  • Food
  • Healthcare
  • Nature
  • Nuclear

Single Catalyst Imaging in the liquid phase

catalyst

Read our case study to find out more.

Mossy metallic lithium microstructures in lithium batteries

Mossy microstructures in lithium batteries

Read our article for further details.

Aerospace bracket produced from optimum conditions for 3D printing

​​radiiographsaerospace component

Read our case study to find out more.

Crystal growth in ice cream

​Ice-creamIce cream imaging

Read our case study to find out more.

Samples thigh bone of patients using alendronate osteoporosis therapy

​Bone imaging

bone density

Read our case study to find out more.

The internal components of a fly

​fly-colourfly-mono

Debris particles from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

​

Structure of Fukustima particlesFukushima particle

Read our case study to find out more.

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