Bruker introduces multiscale high-resolution X-ray nanotomograph, Skyscan 2211

At Analytica 2014, Bruker (NASDAQ: BRKR) today introduced the SkyScan ^TM 2211, a new high-resolution X-ray nano-CT (computed tomography) system with the widest available range of object sizes and spatial resolutions. With the SkyScan 2211, for the first time one single instrument is capable of non-destructive scanning and 3D reconstruction of internal microstructures of large objects, as well as providing submicron resolution for small samples. This multiscale X-ray nanotomograph opens unique possibilities for 3D imaging and exact modeling of materials in a number of applications, such as oil and gas exploration, composite materials, fuel cells, and electronic assemblies.

The shielded SkyScan 2211 system allows for the scanning of larger objects up to 200mm in diameter, where high accuracy of <50nm for samples up to 25kg is achieved by high-precision air-bearing rotation. Combining a 600nm X-ray source with two X-ray detectors — a 3Mp flat-panel and an 11Mp cooled CCD detector — 8000x8000x2300 pixels can be reconstructed after a single scan. The smallest detectable detail (smallest pixel size) is 100nm.

The SkyScan 2211 is supplied with one of the world's fastest commercial software algorithms for 2D/3D morphological analysis and surface/volume rendering. Hierarchical 3D reconstruction speeds up reconstruction of the object's internal microstructure 10 to 100 times compared to traditionally used algorithms, or to GPU-accelerated reconstruction. This brings the reconstruction time for a volume of 4000x4000x2300 pixels down to just 9 minutes.

"With the new SkyScan 2211 multiscale X-ray nanotomograph, Bruker sets a new benchmark for 3D imaging and modeling of larger and heavier samples, as well as for smaller samples with highest resolution down to submicron, all in one single instrument. The SkyScan 2211 opens the door to new applications in materials research and oil and gas exploration," stated Dr. Alexander Sasov, President of the Bruker microCT business.

Source: Bruker Corporation