X-Ray Nano-CT Systems for Orthopedic Implant Coatings

描述(由申请人提供)： 我们建议开发一种专门为骨科种植涂层的三维无损成像而设计的X射线显微断层扫描系统，以研究其断裂力学，以改进种植技术。在骨折力学研究和先进涂层材料的开发中，X光显微断层成像系统在骨科植入物的无损3D成像方面具有独特的优势，而不是基于可见光和电子显微镜的方法。具体地说，它将允许在不受干扰的状态下原位对亚表面裂缝进行80 nm分辨率的研究，而不需要切割样品以改变裂缝的风险。它还将允许在任何材料中或通过任何材料看到裂缝，而不考虑光学透明度(如模拟的体液)，并将使相同的裂缝能够重复成像以监控其进展。硬X射线显微镜将在其他类型的植入涂层的断裂力学研究中有更广泛的用途，如商用羟基磷灰石，以及任何固体材料内部结构的无损成像。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose to develop an x-ray microtomography system specifically designed for nondestructive 3D imaging of orthopedic implant coatings to investigate fracture mechanics for the purpose of improving the implant technology. The proposed x-ray microtomography system offers unique advantages over visible-light and electron microscope based methods for nondestructive 3D imaging of orthopedic implants in the study of fracture mechanics and development of advanced coating materials. Specifically it would allow 80nm-resolution studies of subsurface cracks in situ in an unperturbed state without the need of cutting the sample to risk altering the crack. It would also allow the cracks to be seen in or through any material regardless of optical transparency (such as simulated body fluid) and would enable the same crack to be imaged repeatedly to monitor its progress. The hard x-ray microscope will have much wider usage for fracture mechanics studies of other types of implant coatings, such as commercial hydroxyapatite, and nondestructive imaging of internal structures in any solid materials.