Preparation for imaging experiments

Preparation for imaging and computing tomography experiments

 Sample positioning

  • For Computed Tomography (CT) the maximum sample size is defined by a combination of the detector field of view and the beam size. Your sample must be no wider than the detector field of view for artefact free CT reconstruction.  Consult the detector table below to determine the maximum field of view for a given image pixel size.  
  • The CT apparatus includes either a standard goniometer mount (10 mm blind hole) or Huber translation stages for sample positioning.  Users should discuss with the beamline staff to prepare an adapter plate or similar sample mounting system that is compatible with one of these positioning systems.  Specifications are available from Anton Maksimenko on [email protected].

Detector availability

Detector name and type

Field of view (mm)

Pixelation

Image pixel size

Maximum frames per second

Likely use

Availablilty

Amethyst

 Scint-X DXI-11000

36.2 x 24.1

4024 x 2680

9 μm

3

Medium resolution imaging at higher energies

Available

2012 x 1340

18 μm

6

  

Ruby

Single pco.edge sensor, lens coupled scintillator

Min: 15.3 x 12.9

2560 x 2160

6 μm

50

Medium resolution imaging  and CT at fast frame rates

Available

Max: 141 x 119

2560 x 2160

55 μm

50

  

Amber

 Photonic Science Dual VHR

100.14 x 33.48

 

8769 x 2923

11.4 μm

1.2

Medium resolution, large area imaging

No longer available

2192 x 730

45.6 μm

19

  

Opal

Teledyne Dalsa

Argus Pan

Current: 220 x 6.9

8160  x 256

27 μm

7.8

Wide, medium resolution, for high energy imaging.

Available

Future: 440 x 6.9

16320 x 256

27 μm

7.8

  

Quartz

Hamamatsu C9252DK-14 flat panel

 

Min: 243.2 x 10

2432 x 100

100 μm

146

Therapy sample positioning and very fast frame imaging and CT

 

Available

Max: 243.2 x  123.2

1216 x 616

200 μm

30

  

Diamond

Optique Peter x-ray microscope

Min: 1.66 x 1.40 mm

Max: 20.48 x 17.28 mm

2560 x 2160

2560 x 2160

0.64 μm

8 μm

50

 Fine resolution imaging and CT  Available

 

Imaging and fast computed tomography (CT) of small objects in hutch 2B

For information on this mode contact Anton Maksimenko on [email protected].

Beam specifications

Energy range 20-60 keV
Maximum vertical beam size 4 mm at 20 keV
Maximum vertical beam size 3 mm at 60 keV

Note: As of 2014, round 3 the Diamond Detector is only available on request. Please contact Anton Maksimenko or Chris Hall to discuss usage.

 

Imaging and computed tomography of large objects in hutch 3B

For information on this mode contact Chris Hall ([email protected]).
 

Beam specifications

Energy range 20-60 keV
Maximum beam size (H × V) 120 mm × 40 mm

Experiment considerations

Energy selection/settings

  • Currently imaging experiments are only conducted in monochromatic beam mode.
  • Users will be trained to change energy. Small (< 20 keV) changes take less than 5 minutes. Large energy changes (> 20 keV) take 10 minutes to allow for setting and settling time.
  • Please ensure you list all energies required in your proposal.

Acquisition time

  • Typical data acquisition time is dependent upon the sample, the detector, and the energy being used.
  • A rough guide is that a single image from a mouse torso would be acquired in <300 milliseconds for modest (<50 micron) pixel sizes. For more information, contact Chris Hall.
  • Typical CT data acquisition time – the time required to collect 180° rotation of sample, at 1500 projections will be ultimately depend upon energy, sample composition and detector resolution; consequently, times to collect one CT set will vary between 10-60 min. For more information, contact Anton Maksimenko ([email protected]).

Sample stages and ancillaries

  • The CT apparatus provides for sample mounting via:
    • a standard goniometer mount (10mm hole)
    • Huber translation stages
    • Large base plate with hole pattern for custom designed sample holders
    • Users should prepare a sample holder in advance of their experiment that is compatible with one of these positioning systems, in consultation with IMBL staff.
    • A sketch of the base plate and Huber translation stage is provided here.
  • 3D translation of samples will be provided.
    • +/- 50 mm lateral and vertical translation, perpendicular to the X-ray beam
    • +/- 2.5 m in direction of the beam
  • Maximum weight of sample 10 kg.
  • Remote monitoring of animal health via high resolution web camera will be available.