Real-time, high speed, high resolution, 4D CT at laboratory setups

Performing CT experiments on samples that are morphologically changing shape as a function of time is not straightforward, especially if the modifications happen in a short period of time and the altering structures are relatively small. These kind of experiments are challenging as large amounts of data are generated in a short amount of time and it is difficult to target the right time period where the change of interest can be observed. Additionally, hardware limitations in terms of acquisition speed and sufficient X-ray flux are problematic, especially at laboratory setups. Here we present some CT-results where a time resolution of 1sec is achieved over a period of 2 min using a combination of hard- and software that is specifically designed for high speed, high resolution, 4D CT

A LabVIEW® based generic CT scanner control software platform

UGCT, the Centre for X-ray tomography at Ghent University (Belgium) does research on X-ray tomography and its applications. This includes the development and construction of state-of-the-art CT scanners for scientific research. Because these scanners are built for very different purposes they differ considerably in their physical implementations. However, they all share common principle functionality. In this context a generic software platform was developed using LabVIEW (R) in order to provide the same interface and functionality on all scanners. This article describes the concept and features of this software, and its potential for tomography in a research setting. The core concept is to rigorously separate the abstract operation of a CT scanner from its actual physical configuration. This separation is achieved by implementing a sender-listener architecture. The advantages are that the resulting software platform is generic, scalable, highly efficient, easy to develop and to extend, and that it can be deployed on future scanners with minimal effort

Non-destructive research on wooden musical instruments: from macroscale to submicron imaging with lab-based XCT systems

X-ray CT scanning is growing of age as a research tool and of essential importance in many disciplines, which is certainly true for the study of wood, given its inherent hierarchical structure. The study of wooden musical instruments is even more challenging since these objects need to be handled with care such that non-destructive imaging is vital. Moreover, the different dimensions of the musical instruments as well as the interest in assessment of the instruments at different scales necessitates flexible scanning modes and equipment. In the framework of COST Action FP1302 WoodMusick, a set of wooden musical instruments has been scanned at UGCT and part of them have been analysed to illustrate the potential of X-ray CT scanning in this field of research. By combining different lab-based systems, a wide range of instruments can be scanned, of which examples are given in this paper for violin and standard recorder. Examples of analysis of board and wall thickness for these instruments are given as well

Visualization of self-healing materials by X-ray computed micro-tomography at UGCT

This work presents recent advancements in X-ray micro-computed tomography (XRMCT) of self-healing materials at Ghent University’s Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT). Results of XRMCT imaging in a self-healing polymer system are shown to demonstrate the use of XRMCT in self-healing studies. Furthermore, two new XRMCT scanners are presented. The HECTOR scanner was designed for large samples and strongly attenuating samples, and is therefore well suited to study self-healing concrete. The EMCT scanner is well suited for dynamic self-healing experiments in a controlled environment

A flexible and modular X-ray micro and sub-micron CT scanner for multi-resolution and interdisciplinary research

Several types of CT systems are commercially available, but they are typically focusing on one specific range of samples and are therefore limited in terms of resolution or sample size. They come in closed cabinets and have pre-defined acquisition routines. These restrictions are often limiting the experimental freedom necessary to apply X-ray tomography to its full extent as required when the technique is used in a very wide range of applications and imaging resolutions. UGCT has designed and built a modular micro/sub-micron CT scanner with maximal flexibility destined for multi-resolution imaging of samples from many research disciplines. Its dual source / dual detector design with eight motorized axes and in-house developed acquisition software offers the possibility to optimize acquisition depending on the type and size of sample under investigation