Micro-computed tomography (microCT)

Having the ability to efficiently produce quantitative 3D images of nearly any sample, micro-computed tomography (microCT) has become a standard tool for materials science research. As the reconstructions are generated with non-destructive X-rays, you can gain a complete understanding of the sample without damaging the specimen or needing any additional preparation. Internal structure, geometry, and composition are readily accessible without staining, slicing, cutting, or cross-sectioning. This technique can thus be subsequently used as a survey scan for further (typically destructive) analysis with higher resolution techniques such as nanometer-resolution serial sectioning with electron microscopy.