MRI: Acquisition of an X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography Scanner for Specimen-Based and Material Science Research

这项主要研究仪器补助金支持购买X射线断层扫描仪。X射线断层扫描已经彻底改变了医学领域，提供了我们的身体的三维重建，而不需要侵入性手术。同样的技术现在被应用于生物，地质和人工材料的研究。使用X射线断层扫描的尖端研究可以以微尺度分辨率对样本的内部结构进行非破坏性成像，这些重建为重建地球上生命的化石历史，表征可以提供更深入了解的样本提供了研究机会气候变化记录，并开发新的轻质制造材料和新一代电子产品。新墨西哥州大学目前没有X射线显微断层扫描仪，因此该仪器将使主校区和卫星校区的工作组的样品表征现代化。这些能力将进一步促进跨学科的研究和合作，扩大大学研究在学术界和更广泛社区的影响。 微型X射线计算机断层扫描（MicroXCT）扫描仪在样本旋转时绘制X射线衰减的差异，以生成3D重建，无损地显示完整的内部结构和形态。3D量化能够发现在2D、虚拟解剖和研究样本的数字存档中不可见的形态学关系。该提案支持收购蔡司Xradia Context系统，该系统能够进行与不同研究领域相关的3D重建，具有30-160 kV X射线源，最小样品的最大空间分辨率为0.95 µm。我们特别关注Zeiss-Xradia上下文系统，因为它具有多功能性和可扩展性，可用于未来的应用。该系统可安装到Xradia 510 Versa X射线显微镜上，利用远距离分辨率技术对原位腔室内的样品进行最高性能的断层成像，提供衍射和相衬成像。除了改变校园内的研究，购买MicroXCT扫描仪将通过直接参与样品处理和分析，为本科生和研究生扩大教育和培训机会，该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的评估来支持。影响审查标准。

This Major Research Instrumentation grant supports the purchase of an X-ray tomography scanner. X-ray tomography has revolutionized the medical field, providing three dimensional reconstructions of our bodies without the need for invasive surgeries. This same technique is now being applied to the study of biological, geological, and manufactured materials. Cutting-edge research using X-ray tomography can non-destructively image the interior structure of samples with micro-scale resolution, and these reconstructions are opening research opportunities in reconstructing the fossil history of life on Earth, characterizing samples that can provide deeper insight into records of climate change, and developing new lightweight manufactured materials and new generations of electronics. There are currently no X-ray micro tomography scanners at University of New Mexico, thus this instrument will modernize sample characterization in working groups across both the main and satellite campuses. These capabilities will further promote research and collaboration across disciplines, expanding the impact of university research within the academic and broader community. Micro X-ray computed tomography (MicroXCT) scanners map differences in X-ray attenuation as specimens rotate to generate 3D reconstructions, non-destructively revealing intact internal structures and morphologies. 3D quantification enables discovery of morphological relationships that are not visible in 2D, virtual dissections, and digital archiving of research samples. This proposal supports the acquisition of a Zeiss Xradia Context System that is capable of 3D reconstructions relevant to diverse fields of study, with a 30-160 kV X-ray source and maximum spatial resolution of 0.95 µm for the smallest samples. We are specifically focusing on the Zeiss-Xradia Context System due to its versatility and upgradability for future applications. The system is upgradable to an Xradia 510 Versa X-ray microscope to leverage Resolution at a Distance technology for the maximum performance tomographic imaging of samples within in situ chambers, provide diffraction and phase contrast imaging. In addition to transforming research on campus, acquisition of a MicroXCT scanner would expand educational and training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students through direct participation in sample processing and analysis, as well as development of teaching materials for classroom and laboratory exercises.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.