microCT model: SkyScan1273

The SKYSCAN 1273 sets a new standard for non-destructive testing (NDT) with benchtop instruments, providing a performance previously only achieved by floor standing systems. Samples with up to 500 mm length, 300 mm diameter, and a maximum weight of 20 kg can be inspected.

The combination of a higher-energy X-ray source running at higher power and a large format flat-panel detector with ultimate sensitivity and readout speed provides excellent image quality in just a few seconds.

SKYSCAN 1273 is complemented by 3D.SUITE. This comprehensive software suite covers GPU-accelerated reconstruction, 2D/ 3D morphological analysis, as well as surface and volume rendering visualization.

The SKYSCAN 1273’s large sample chamber accepts samples larger than what can be scanned with a single detector field-of-view. By offset scanning in sections and putting the large format flat-panel detector in offset positions, SKYSCAN 1273 scans large objects up to 250 mm in diameter and 250 mm in length. 3D.SUITE automatically and seamlessly stitches the oversized images together.

Ex vivo scanning of biological tissues is a very good way to show their internal structures non-destructively. A contrast agent or chemical drying can improve the image quality by further enhancing or differentiating densities. The SKYSCAN 1272 is the ideal platform for such imaging with its resolution, easy sample handling and high throughput – that’s why you will find so many publications using this scanner.

SKYSCAN 1273 comes equipped with a large-format 6 MP detector based on the latest flat-panel technology, achieving very high contrast in the accumulated images thanks to the large dynamic range. The fast frame rate in combination with an optimized scintillator enable excellent image quality in a stunningly short cycle of less than 15 seconds, which is ideal for time-resolved 3D X-ray microscopy.

The Bruker material testing stages are designed to perform compression experiments up to 4400 N and tensile experiments up to 440 N. All stages automatically communicate through the system’s rotation stage, without the need of any cable connections. Using the supplied software, scheduled scanning experiments can be set up.

Bruker's heating and cooling stages can reach temperatures of up to 80ºC, or 30ºC below ambient temperature. Just like the other stages, no extra connections are needed, and there is an automatic recognition of the stage. Using the heating & cooling stages, samples can be examined under non-ambient conditions, to evaluate the effect of temperature on the sample’s microstructure.

The SKYSCAN 1273 builds on Bruker’s key role in the bone research community by offering a microCT scanner for your really big samples. You can put your head inside it’s cavernous sample chamber. So bone biologists and dentists can be joined by dinosaur palaeontologists and archaeologists as well as clinical practitioners imaging biopsies and orthopedic surgery resections, as users of “big microCT”.

• Samples half a meter high and 40cm wide accommodated, scan field of view 25cm diameter and 25cm height – this will accommodate even the largest human and Neanderthal skulls.
• Applied voltage up to 130kV with filters of aluminum, copper and molybdenum give x-ray transmission and optimal contrast over a tremendous range of mineralized biological sample including fossil material mixed with soil and rock.
• Optional mechanical testing and temperature control stages extend the possibilities for biomechanical and orthopedic testing for your clinical or large animal samples.
• Bone morphometry (ASBMR nomenclature) with comprehensive 3D and 2D parameters, with densitometry including BMD calibration references over a 2-32mm diameter size range.

Teeth are a step up from rodent bones in thickness and mineral density, requiring an appropriate microCT solution. The SKYSCAN 1273 is this solution, effortlessly imaging small and large teeth, even fossil ones subject to mineral diagenesis. And this capability in a user-friendly high-energy desktop instrument.

• Fast flat panel with ~3000 x 2000 pixel format, for a huge field of view.
• The large x-ray camera with excellent high energy sensitivity makes most vertebrate teeth scannable as well as prostheses and dental implant materials.
• Bone morphometry (ASBMR nomenclature) with comprehensive 3D and 2D parameters, with densitometry including BMD calibration references over a 2-32mm diameter size range.

Wood gives exceptionally good results with microCT visualization - the finest details of the xylem and phloem canals are resolved and contrasted. MicroCT differentiation of tissue densities is nondestructive. The enormous scan chamber of the SKYSCAN 1273 allows even small potted trees to be mounted for scanning. A wide range of different plant and animal samples can be visualized and analyzed with little or no need of sample treatment.

• A big scanning chamber for large samples while still a desktop scanner taking up modest workspace makes this the ideal instrument for multi-purpose research.
• Applied voltage up to 130kV with filters of aluminum, copper and molybdenum give x-ray transmission and optimal contrast over a tremendous range of sample types including fossil material mixed with soil and rock.
• Multiple sample scanning possible with high throughput due to the batch-scanning mode, effectively reducing down-time.
• Comprehensive 3D image analysis capability including morphometry and densitometry, 3D registration, segmentation and advanced image processing methods.

credit: https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/preclinical-imaging/micro-ct/skyscan-1273.html