Universität Bremen - ProCon CT-ALPHA

60 Universität Bremen - ProCon CT-ALPHA https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha This page contains information about the microtomography scanner ProCon CT-ALPHA at the Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen. de Universität Bremen Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:40:12 +0200 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:40:12 +0200 Universität Bremen content-271145 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:43:54 +0100 The Scanner https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha#c271145 Our CT-ALPHA is equipped with a X-RAY WorX source (XWT-190-TCHE, 190 <abbr title="kiloVolt">kV</abbr>) that offers three different foci modes. Both a high-energy and a high-resolution target (<abbr title="Watt">W</abbr> on diamond window) are in use. We can analyse both <abbr title="Millimeter">mm</abbr>-sized samples with high resolution, and cm-sized samples with high energy. The Vieworks detektor (flat panel sensor VXTF-2532EAH, 2560 x 2048 Pixel, pixel pitch 124 <abbr title="Micrometer">μm</abbr>) can be operated in double view mode. Content content-271146 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:43:54 +0100 The method https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha#c271146 The method is based on the detection and localisation of the degree of attenuation of the incident X-rays in the sample. The attenuation of X-rays by matter depends on both the chemical elements it consists of as well as the material&nbsp;density. The information about the varied X-ray absorption is&nbsp;encoded as grey values in a stack of&nbsp;black-and-white images. Each image consists of volumetric pixels&nbsp;and contains true volumetric information. Content content-271147 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:43:54 +0100 Sample types and preparation https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha#c271147 X-ray micro tomography can characterize all materials that are transparent for X-rays, <abbr title="for example">e.g</abbr>. silicates, carbonates, sulfates etc. The sample surface does not have to be prepared in advance. In our lab we analyze rocks with&nbsp;silicate, carbonate and sulfide minerals, volcanic pumice, foraminiferae, bivalves, organic samples like fish or rat bone, and more. Content content-271157 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:43:54 +0100 Sample size and -geometry https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha#c271157 In general, samples of any shape can be investigated, however a cylindrical shape is most favorable. Sample size may range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Most important for a successful scan is a sufficient transmission of the sample for X-rays. It is possible to scan a selected sector of a sample (<abbr title="for example">e.g</abbr>, a micro core in a X-ray-transparent&nbsp;core holder). Content content-271903 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:43:54 +0100 What resolution can I expect? https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha#c271903 Relevant for the attainable resolution is the position of the sample in the cone beam geometry between the X-ray point-focus source and the detector, which determines the magnification. In general, small samples (1-2 <abbr title="Millimeter">mm</abbr>) can be characterised with high resolution (<1 - 3 <abbr title="Micrometer">μm</abbr> per voxel), and larger samples with lower (20-40 <abbr title="Micrometer">μm</abbr> per voxel). Content content-271905 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:43:54 +0100 What kind of result do I get? https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha#c271905 The result is the reconstructed density distribution within the object in the form of a digital image stack or as image volume, which can be downloaded from the lab server. A storage medium will not be provided. In addition, the transmission images can be supplied. An&nbsp;analysis of the tomography data is possible in the context of a scientific cooperation. Content content-271907 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:43:54 +0100 Contact https://www.uni-bremen.de/mapex-cf/instrumentation/3d-materials-analytics/procon-ct-alpha#c271907 Contact person for technical information <abbr title="Doctor">Dr.</abbr> Wolf-Achim Kahl Analytical service Requests for analyse services are welcome for both academic and non-commercial customery. Please contact <abbr title="Professor Doctor">Prof Dr</abbr> Wolfgang Bach (e-mail: <a class="mail" href="mailto:wbach@uni-bremen.de">wbach@uni-bremen.de</a>) or&nbsp; <abbr title="Doctor">Dr.</abbr> Wolf-Achim Kahl (e-mail: <a class="mail" href="mailto:wakahl@uni-bremen.de">wakahl@uni-bremen.de</a>). For&nbsp;usage&nbsp;regulations&nbsp;of CT-ALPHA&nbsp;follow the link: Content