Project Details
Projekt
X-ray microtomography
Subject Area
Materials Science
Term
Funded in 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 558106576
Computed tomography (CT) allows the visualization of the microstructure, as well as different phases and defects in materials and components in three dimensions. In contrast to other tomographic methods, CT is a non-destructive method that allows investigation under changing environmental conditions (e.g. time, temperature, load), making it a powerful method for materials characterization. As the applicants are based in different disciplines of the Faculty of Science and Technology (materials science, chemistry, physics), there are a variety of research projects with various requirements. For this reason, a micro-CT with a dual tube configuration is being applied to gain high versatility to be able to successfully carry out manifold research projects with a flexible measuring system. The unique combination of a high-power X-ray tube and a nanofocus transmission X-ray tube, in combination with a large X-ray detector, enables the investigation of different materials and sample sizes from a few 100 micrometers up to approximately 500 mm. On the one hand, the high-energy X-ray spectrum of the high-power X-ray tube allows imaging of thick structures and highly absorbing materials with low noise. On the other hand, tomographic scans with high spatial resolution can be carried out with the nanofocus tube, e.g. to image the morphology of a wide variety of materials. The different measurement modes, such as helical CT or laminography, increase the sample throughput, reduce measurement times, or enhance scan volume, thereby significantly increasing the efficiency of the research device. In addition, an existing in-situ load stage and the proposed in-situ temperature stage make it possible to correlate properties with the 3D microstructure. This allows time-resolved investigation of processes like crack growth, diffusion, or degradation, which opens up unique research projects. The full integration of the proposed micro-CT into the recently founded Core Facility named "Correlative Microscopy and Tomography" at Saarland University will thus enable researchers to carry out an encompassing three-dimensional investigation of materials from the macro scale to the atomic scale. In addition, the integration of the new micro-CT into the Core Facility will ensure professional use of the resources and highly skilled operators for the entire lifetime of the instrument. This will be a benefit for all users, maximizing scientific output and enabling excellent research at Saarland University.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
Mikro-Computertomographie
Instrumentation Group
4070 Spezielle Röntgengeräte für Materialanalyse, Strukturforschung und Werkstoff-Bestrahlung
Applicant Institution
Universität des Saarlandes
