MRI: Acquisition of a High-resolution X-ray Microscope for Nondestructive 2D, 3D and 4D Characterization of Microstructures in Cross-Disciplinary Research

X射线计算机层析成像(CT)是一种基于从大量视角拍摄的一系列二维X射线图像重建物体外部和内部特征的三维(3D)图像的对象无损检查的方法。医用CT成像通常被用作一种诊断工具，使用更高的X射线强度的类似方法可以对非生物样本进行非常详细的成像，用于许多科学和工程领域的广泛研究应用。这项重大研究仪器(MRI)奖支持购买一台高分辨率的3D X射线显微镜，该显微镜能够产生三维分辨率小于1微米(约为人类头发宽度的100倍)的图像。该系统将设在斯坦福纳米共享设施，这是一个核心设施，为整个斯坦福大学和附近机构的研究人员提供最先进的样品表征和分析仪器。这台仪器将推动来自斯坦福大学地球能源与环境科学学院、工程学院、人文与科学学院和医学院的多学科研究人员以及圣何塞州立大学和加州科学院的研究人员进行创新研究。圣何塞州立大学和加州科学院是位于旧金山的博物馆、教育中心和研究机构。高分辨率X射线显微镜将通过填补长度范围(0.4至40微米)的空白，提高斯坦福大学在材料科学、地球科学和生命科学领域进行尖端研究的能力。目前，斯坦福大学没有任何设备可以产生非破坏性的3D断层图像。支持材料科学、地球科学、生命科学等前沿基础研究。研究人员将使用该仪器分析页岩的微结构，其中包含不同大小的孔隙和其他特征，从而能够研究更有效地提取石油和封存人为二氧化碳。利用在长工作距离下以高分辨率成像大样本的能力，将研究涂有自修复聚合物的硅微粒阳极，以优化设计更持久的电池。该仪器将用于对从老鼠到人类的哺乳动物的内耳骨和鼓膜进行高分辨率成像，以帮助更详细地建立听力机制的模型，并开发用于矫正听力异常的新设备。致力于改进微电子机械系统(MEMS)设备制造的研究人员将使用显微镜来非破坏性地检查设备的内部结构，这些设备旨在最大限度地减少或消除疲劳(重复加载)故障，从而极大地延长设备和传感器的使用寿命，适用于各种应用。双能量成像能力将允许在一次扫描中同时收集软骨、骨骼和血管系统的高分辨率图像，为骨骼发育和愈合过程提供新的见解。加州科学院的研究人员将利用该仪器的高分辨率、相衬成像能力对组织界面进行详细检查，作为进化小型化对解剖学和生理学影响研究的一部分。通过这些项目和许多其他项目，该仪器将成为斯坦福大学研究基础设施的关键部分，并扩大广泛的科学和工程学科研究的范围和影响。

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an approach to nondestructive examination of objects based on reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) images of the external and internal features of an object from a series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken at a large number of viewing angles. Medical CT imaging is commonly used as a diagnostic tool, and similar approaches using higher X-ray intensities can allow very detailed imaging of non-living samples for a wide range of research applications across many fields of science and engineering. This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award supports the acquisition of a high-resolution, 3D X-ray microscope capable of producing images with three-dimensional resolution smaller than 1µm (about 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair). This system will be located in the Stanford Nano Shared Facilities, a core facility providing researchers across Stanford University and from nearby institutions with state-of-the-art instruments for specimen characterization and analysis. This instrument will advance innovative research by investigators from multiple disciplines across Stanford's Schools of Earth Energy & Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Humanities & Sciences, and Medicine, as well as investigators from San Jose State University and the California Academy of Sciences, a museum, educational center and research facility in San Francisco.The high-resolution X-ray microscope will improve Stanford's ability to conduct leading-edge research in materials science, earth science, and life science by filling the gap in length scale (0.4 to 40 µm) within which no equipment currently at Stanford can generate non-destructive 3D tomography images. It will support leading-edge basic research in materials science, earth science, and life science. Researchers will use the instrument to analyze the microstructure of shale rock, which contains pores and other features at a range of sizes, enabling studies on more efficient extraction of petroleum and sequestration of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. The ability to image large samples with high resolution at a long working distance will be exploited to study silicon microparticle anodes coated with self-healing polymers for optimal design of longer-lasting batteries. The instrument will be used for high-resolution imaging of inner-ear bones and the tympanic membrane of mammals ranging from mice to humans to aid in more detailed modeling of the mechanics of hearing and development of novel devices for correcting hearing abnormalities. Researchers on improved fabrication of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices will use the microscope to nondestructively examine the internal structure of devices designed to minimize or eliminate fatigue (repeated loading) failure, dramatically extending the useful life of devices and sensors for a wide range of applications. The dual-energy imaging capacity will allow simultaneous collection of high-resolution images of cartilage, bone and vasculature in a single scan, providing new insights into the processes of skeletal development and healing. Researchers at the California Academy of Sciences will take advantage of the instrument's high-resolution, phase contrast imaging capabilities for detailed examination of tissue interfaces as part of studies on the anatomical and physiological effects of evolutionary miniaturization. Through these and many other projects, this instrument will become a key part of Stanford University's research infrastructure and enhance the scope and impact of research across a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.