X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR MATERIALS & LIFE SCIENCES

Webinar Series

Learn how X-ray computed tomography (CT) works, how the results are analyzed, and how this X-ray imaging technique is applied to materials and life science researches. Email us at imaging@rigaku.com if you have any questions or requests for future webinar topics.

1. Introduction

This is an introduction to the X-ray computed tomography (CT) technique. You will learn how X-ray CT works and how it can be applied to scientific research. It will include an introduction to the technique, instrumentation, and application examples.

Presenter:  Aya Takase 

2. Data Analysis

This is an overview of X-ray CT data analysis techniques starting with basic image processing and leading to traditional thresholding segmentation, machine learning based segmentation, and quantitative analysis. A number of commonly used data analysis and visualization programs will be discussed and demonstrated to help beginners to get an idea of where to start and select the right analysis tool for their needs. 

Presenter:  Aya Takase 

3. Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples in the food and pharmaceutical industries are discussed. Examples include the analyses of cracks and aggregation inside tablets, tablet and drug particle coating thicknesses, air pocket size distributions in food, and sugar coating thicknesses of candies.

Presenter:  Aya Takase 

4. Foams and Composite Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples of foams and composite materials are discussed. Examples include the analysis of foam porosity, cell size, and cell wall thicknesses as well as void distribution and fiber orientation in composite materials.

Presenter:  Aya Takase 

5. Plant Science Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples for plants and seeds are discussed. Examples include the non-destructive characterization of plant traits for ripening fruit, seeds, and root systems. Additionally, analysis of cell wall thicknesses and void distribution among different seed varieties are presented.

Presenter: Angela Criswell

6. Geology Applications

A number of X-ray CT application examples of geological samples are discussed. Examples include the analysis of cracks, pores, inclusions, and phase quantification of rocks and drill cores. We also introduce available resources for pore network analysis that can be applied to rock CT scans.

Presenter:  Aya Takase 

7. Life Science Applications

A 3D look at the structures of a reptile, insects, and a mouse, including their stained organs are presented. You will learn how to deal with unique challenges in life science sample preparation and how to conduct quantitative analyses.

Presenter: Angela Criswell

8. Metrology Applications

Basics of metrology analysis and a number of X-ray CT application examples are discussed. Examples include size and shape measurements of metal and plastic parts, tolerancing evaluation, comparison of nominal (CAD) and actual (CT) or a golden standard, and a test subject. We also introduce available resources to learn more about X-ray CT metrology. 

Presenter:  Aya Takase 

9. 4D and In-situ Applications

You will learn the keys to successful 4D and in-situ X-ray CT measurements and how to plan experiments. A number of applications are presented. Examples include observation of foam under compression, drug degradation process, and seed germination process. 

Presenter:  Aya Takase 

10. Preparing Life Science Samples

You will learn sample preparation techniques for life science samples. These samples typically require preservation to ensure that ‘as lifelike as possible’ CT data can be collected. Additionally, these types of samples typically have low density contrast and thus benefit from staining. Different techniques will be discussed, and examples of X-ray CT data for life science samples are presented.

Presenter: Angela Criswell

See X-ray CT measurements and analysis in action

You can see a demonstration of micro and sub-micron resolution CT scanners and image analysis software. We experiment with different scan and analysis conditions we choose with the live audience, compare the results, and discuss how to improve image quality and analysis results for various samples. If you want to see how X-ray CT measurements and analyses are done in action, you can start with this series: X-ray Computed Tomography Virtual Workshop.

What is micro-CT?

How does it work? How much does it cost? Do I need It? What are the common problems?
To learn everything you need to know about micro-CT, you can start here: What is micro-CT?

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