Biomedical MicroCT facility

A scientist prepares a specimen to have its x-ray taken.

More Information

About the Biomedical MicroCT facility

Microfocus Computed Tomography (μCT) is a non-destructive imaging technique. It uses X-rays to generate high resolution 3D (volume) datasets from samples. This technique offers spatial resolution down to 6 -8 μm. Able to examine conventional hard, high contrast structures, microCT can also be adapted for imaging softer tissues.

A μCT system consists of a microfocus X-ray source and a high-resolution X-ray detector, enabling imaging at resolutions down to a few micrometers. Depending on the system design, the source and detector can either be mounted on a gantry that rotates around the object or remain stationary while the object is mounted on a rotating stage. The former configuration is typically used in in-vivo systems to accommodate live specimens, while the latter is preferred for ex-vivo imaging, as it offers greater geometric flexibility.

Technical specification

MiLabs 3D/4D optical imaging/microCT system

X-ray tomography with a spatial resolution down to ca. 13μm in each lateral dimension with nominal isotropic voxel resolution down to 2.4μm
3D fluorescence, bioluminescence and Cherenkov luminescence tomography in the visual to near-IR range (340nm to 830nm; up to six emission filters and up to 11 excitation filters; C-MOS detector) with a resolution of ca. 3mm
dyes are separated using spectral unmixing
ability to scan living organisms up to the size of a small rabbit (up to five mice can be scanned at once)
correlative imaging to map fluorescence/luminescence images onto X-ray CT images and white light images

Nikon Med-X (altpha)

130 kVp X-ray source

optimised for biomedical imaging and unstained FFPE histological specimens
standard reflection target (~2µm spot)
2 x 2k flat panel detector
Standard cone-beam and helical scanning
samples up to ~300mm and up to 15kg
for more details, visit the μ-VIS X-ray imaging centre

Customised XRH XT H 225 ST system

Nikon multi-target micro focus X-ray source
130kVp/130W Mo rotating target (custom); 10μm spot up to 50W
180kVp/20W Mo transmission targets (custom); 1.5μm spot up to 5W
225kVp/225W multimetal reflection target; 2.5μm spot up to 7W
sample autoloader - up to 14 specimens per rack (custom)
optimised for high throughput 3D X-ray histology
2.8x2.8k 16-bit flat panel detector
samples up to ~400mm and up to 50kg
for more details, visit the μ-VIS X-ray imaging centre

The two Nikon systems are managed by and run in synergy with the μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre and are part of the 3D X-ray Histology (XRH) facility. The facility offers imaging services to internal and external users.

Please contact Dr Orestis Katsamenis (O.Katsamenis@soton.ac.uk) for further information.