MRI: Acquisition of High Power and Resolution X-ray Microscopy System for Advanced Characterization, Non-Destructive Evaluation, and Cross-Disciplinary Research & Innovation

这一重大研究仪器(MRI)奖支持收购最先进的高分辨率X射线计算机断层扫描仪器。这将使广泛的研究依赖于材料内部结构的准确三维数字化和表征。利用该仪器的研究项目包括：用于航空航天、汽车、国防和医疗应用的新型添加剂制造材料；用于免疫系统、组织修复和生物工程研究的细胞结构和组织；制药材料；用于能源应用的材料，包括新型电池和储能设备；以及用于气候和地球科学研究的天然材料和生物。与医学CAT扫描类似，X射线计算机断层扫描技术为STEM的研究、培训、教育、推广和招聘提供了前所未有的能力。它将促进区域和国家与其他大学和行业的合作，同时进一步促进新兴技术的扩展，如工业4.0。该仪器将被安置在材料表征核心中并由其管理，该核心是德雷克塞尔大学的一个已建立的多用户设施。拟议的系统提供：(A)亚微米真正的空间分辨率和纳米尺寸的体素，由业界领先的双级放大光学系统实现；(B)由探测器实现的对比度增强，探测器经过优化以最大限度地收集形成低能X射线光子的对比度数据；(C)能够使用相关的扩展装置和所包括的数据处理软件以高分辨率评估较大的样品；(D)具有适用于各种材料的电压和功率输出的X射线源，以及(E)在不影响性能的情况下适应一系列现场测试阶段的能力，包括机械和热测试阶段。这些能力代表了当今所有可用的商业系统中的最先进技术，将加强对复杂几何图形的无损评估、先进材料表征和数字化的研究。具体地说，此次收购将增强四个研究重点，包括：1)在多种长度尺度上评估一系列先进材料的内部几何形状；2)通过现场测试增强新材料和设备的性能和行为表征；3)在数据处理和机器学习的帮助下进行数据驱动的计算材料建模；以及4)动植物标本的数字化，包括精致、稀有和有历史意义的(150年前的收藏)标本。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 (MRI) award supports the acquisition of a state-of-the-art, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography instrument. This will enable a broad spectrum of research relying on accurate three-dimensional digitization and characterization of the internal structure of materials. Research projects utilizing this instrument involve novel additive manufactured materials critical for aerospace, automotive, defense and medical applications; cell structures and tissues used in immune system, tissue repair and bioengineering research; pharmaceutical materials; materials for energy applications including novel batteries and energy storage devices; as well as natural materials and organisms used in climate and earth sciences research. Similar to medical CAT Scans, X-ray computed tomography technology provides unprecedented capabilities for research, training, education, outreach and recruitment in STEM. It will promote regional and national collaborations with other universities and industry, while further enabling extensions to emerging technologies such as Industry 4.0. The instrument will be housed in and managed by the Materials Characterization Core, an established multiuser facility at Drexel University. This facility will be leveraged in recruiting events as well as outreach programs to increase the exposure of underrepresented minority students to cutting-edge research.The proposed system offers: (a) submicron true spatial resolution and nanometer-sized voxels achieved by industry-leading dual stage magnification optics, (b) contrast enhancement enabled by detectors that are optimized to maximize data collection of contrast forming low energy X-ray photons, (c) the ability to evaluate larger specimens at high resolution using an associated extension and the included data-processing software, (d) an X-ray source with voltage and power output suitable for a wide range of materials, and (e) the ability to accommodate an array of in situ testing stages, including mechanical and thermal, without compromising performance. These capabilities that represent the state-of-the-art among all commercial systems available today, will enhance research on non-destructive evaluation, advanced material characterization and digitization of complex geometries. Specifically, there are four research foci that will be enhanced by this acquisition, including: 1) evaluation of the internal geometry at multiple length scales of a range of advanced materials; 2) enhanced property and behavior characterization of novel materials and devices via in situ testing; 3) data-driven computational material modeling assisted by data-processing and machine learning; and 4) digitization of flora and fauna, including delicate, rare and historic (150-year-old collections) specimens.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.