Rapid high-energy (>100 keV) micro-computer tomography

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Biomedical and materials research, in particular with biomaterials such as ceramicand metal implants or composites of resorbable and non-resorbable heavy elementsspanning Fe, Zn, Ba and W, requires precise high-resolution three-dimensional (3D)information. With advancing technology, rapid, high-energy all-inclusive standalonemicroCT instruments are rapidly becoming standards of research, especially with in-situtesting capabilities of mechanical or thermal loading. Here we apply for a high-speed high-energy research-grade (ex-vivo) microCT to support extensive ongoing research by multiple groups in the Charité research institutes, especially DFG funded research networks and new investigators. The device, fully automatic and low maintenance, will be made available across the institute to both basic and clinical researchers using the newly implemented OpenIRIS framework, and will provide both moderate pre-characterization and high temporal and spatial resolution tomographic data, a pre-requisite for nowadays cutting-edge publications. The high-energy X-ray source will make it possible to study gaps, cracks and low-density tissue e.g. adjacent to high-density prosthetic/biomaterial implants. Rapid imaging will be ensured by a high flux closed source + scientific grade detectors coupled with smart software employing sample manipulation and multi scanning protocols that will ease reaching statistical significance. The applicants, highly qualified and internationally well known for materials characterization and specifically micro and nanoCT imaging and quantification, will ensure machine uptime of at least 2,500 hours/year and will take care of all commissioning and user training. The applying groups will share ~75% of the time based on a priority list according to DFG/BMBF/EU > 3rd party > in-house research grants.Approximately 15% of the total time will be dedicated to upcoming clinical and juniorresearchers and the rest 10% of the time will be used for training and commissioning ofshared measurement to develop and maintain protocols and performance. Imaging at themesoscale will make it possible to reveal invisible aspects of a wide array of biomedical and clinically-inspired tissues and structures across 10+ departments in the CharitéUniversitätsmedizin Berlin, making it possible for young and established researchers todeliver science in a context relevant manner.