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

这笔重大研究仪器拨款支持购买一台X射线断层扫描仪。X射线断层扫描技术彻底改变了医学领域，无需进行侵入性手术即可对人体进行三维重建。同样的技术现在也被应用于生物、地质和人造材料的研究。使用X射线层析成像的尖端研究可以以微尺度分辨率无损地成像样品的内部结构，这些重建正在为重建地球上的生命化石历史、表征可以更深入地了解气候变化的样品以及开发新的轻质制造材料和新一代电子产品打开研究机会。新墨西哥大学目前没有X射线微层析扫描仪，因此该仪器将使主校区和附属校区各工作组的样品表征现代化。这些能力将进一步促进跨学科研究和合作，扩大大学研究在学术界和更广泛社区中的影响。微X射线计算机断层扫描(MicroXCT)扫描仪绘制了样品旋转时X射线衰减的差异，以生成3D重建，以非破坏性地揭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30-160千伏的X射线源，最小样本的最大空间分辨率为0.95微米。我们特别关注蔡司-XRadia环境系统，因为它的多功能性和可升级性，可用于未来的应用。该系统可升级到XRadia 510 Versa X射线显微镜，以利用远距离分辨率技术在原位小室内对样品进行最高性能的层析成像，提供衍射和相衬成像。除了改变校园内的研究，购买MicroXCT扫描仪还将通过直接参与样品处理和分析以及为课堂和实验室练习开发教材来扩大本科生和研究生的教育和培训机会。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

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.