Introduction to Nano CT
As a reminder, X-ray tomography is a non-destructive technology used as an imaging technique for the inspection of the internal and external structures of parts in many industries. Over the last ten years, nano-tomography or high-resolution computed-tomography has been improved to offer new imaging possibilities.
Nano-CT image acquisition can be generated from sample processing conducted with very little sample preparation. Industrial materials, but also other samples, can be scanned as-is. This meaning that sample preparation time can be decreased, which gives us a cost reduction operation.
Depending on the application, the focal spot size can be lessened down to diameters less than 400 nanometers (nm). In conjunction with specific & powerful detectors, a greater resolution up to 400 nm can be achieved, thereby exceeding the resolution capacity of traditional micro CT systems.
The size of the focal spot during the X-ray sources transmission is the key difference between Micro-CT and Nano-CT:
- Nano-CT are systems with spot sizes measured with nanometers
- Micro-CT are systems with spot sizes measured in microns
From this observation, we can state that the smaller the spot size, the greater the detail recognition and sample penetration.