Dive for new insights.
Explore new frontiers of science based on fundamentally new knowledge.
Laboratory nano and sub-micro X-ray computed tomography are unique techniques for nondestructive high-resolution 3D imaging of materials and objects, and are tailored to fill the “resolution gap” between visible light microscopy and electron microscopy.
High Performance
Novel optics provide high resolution and deep object penetration
“Laboratory X-ray microscopy at high energies has the potential to steal a “triumphal march“ – much like transmission electron microscopy did – some decades ago. It will open the floodgates on fundamentally new knowledge in the physics and chemistry of materials as well as for applications in industry, e. g. for physical failure analysis in microelectronics.”
Ehrenfried Zschech @ Euromat 2019 (Plenary lecture on being awarded the FEMS Gold Medal)
Learning from the past: Unique features and enabling technologies for disruptive innovation.
In the past, new microscopy techniques (e. g. visible light microscopy and electron microscopy) inspired and drove disruptive innovation. The one breakthrough that is still ahead of us is X-ray microscopy.
Pathway to the future: Multiscale X-ray microscopy – 3D and nondestructive.
Laboratory X-ray microscopy at high photon energies: 3D, high resolution and fully non-destructive.
X-ray computed tomography is possible with high ratios (~ 10 3) between sample thickness and resolution.
X-ray computed tomography allows a multi-scale approach because X-ray photons cover an energy range of several orders of magnitude.
deepXscan will provide nano X-ray computed tomography systems that operate at several photon energies, which will allow the investigation of hierarchically structured biological objects and engineered materials.
Unlimited fields of application.
3D microstructure of materials (composites, cement-based materials and geological objects)
3D morphology of hierarchical biological structures and engineered materials
in-situ mechanical studies of materials and minute parts (crack visualization)
operando studies of (electro-)chemical processes e.g., in energy storage and conversion and catalysis
3D imaging of structures for micro- and nanoelectronics/nanotechnology
FOR INDUSTRY, UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES
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Physics, Chemistry, Biology
development of miniaturized sensor and actor devices, changes in morphology during chemical processes, systems biology – 3D imaging at several hierarchical levels (up to sub-cellular structures)
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Materials Science and Fracture Mechanics
design of bio-inspired hierarchical materials, fracture mechanics in sub-100nm dimensions, structures fabricated with additive manufacturing
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Geology, Oil and Gas Industry
sediment evaluation, gas and oil reservoir exploration, hydrogeology
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Chemical Industry and Metallurgy
catalyst development, operando studies of battery and fuel-cell operation, microstructure of composites (including cement-based materials)
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Microelectronics
physical failure analysis for interconnects and packaging structures, inspection to reveal buried defects, imaging microcracks and voids, reliability engineering
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Medicine
medical research and diagnostics, understanding of mechanisms in virology, tissue engineering
