Welcome to the TomoLab

X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) is one of the most advanced techniques in the field of non-destructive evaluation testing. It allows to obtain images of the internal microstructure of objects and materials by measuring the three-dimensional (3D) map of the X-ray attenuation coefficient of the sample. Thanks to this technique, the distribution of regions with different density and/or chemical composition within the sample can be visualized by virtual slicing or using 3D volume rendering procedures. Elettra's TomoLab offers scientists and engineers access to customized and flexible micro-CT systems based on microfocus X-ray sources. The TomoLab has been designed to be complementary to the SYRMEP micro-CT beamline configuration, extending the available energy range (HV up to 150 kVp) and the size of the X-ray beam on the sample. Thanks to the conical beam geometry, an equivalent pixel size close to the size of the focal spot (down to 5 microns) can be achieved. Since X-ray micro-CT is a non-destructive characterization technique, it represents a powerful investigation tool in many different applications, especially in the field of materials science, geology or biomaterials. Through image analysis processing tools, quantitative information can be obtained from the examined samples. In particular, geometric or morphological features within the sample volume can be analyzed and useful specific parameters can be extracted.

Research highlights The teeth of a prehistoric fetus give us information about the last months of a mother and child, who lived 27.000 years BP In this study, synchrotron and laboratory X-ray computed microtomography were combined to study the teeth of a fetus found in the pelvic area of the skeleton of a young girl. The fossil records were discovered in the “Ostuni 1” burial site (Puglia, Italy) and dated back over 27,000 years.     A. Nava et. al; Scientific Reports, 7 (2017) 9427. Read More 3D Pore-network quantitative analysis in deformed carbonate grainstones 3D Pore-network quantitative analysis in deformed carbonate grainstones A 3D investigation of the pore network properties in deformed carbonate grainstones cropping out in Sicily and Abruzzo regions (Italy). . In this study, the pore network properties of suitable rock samples were studied by quantitative analysis of X-ray microtomographic images using both synchrotron and microfocus sources.   M. Zambrano et. al; Marine and Petroleum Geology 82 (2017) 251-264. Read More A comparative high-resolution endostructural study reveal Neanderthal-like features in 450,000-year-old human dental remains from the Italian Peninsula Fossil records enable a detailed reconstruction of our planet’s history and of the evolution of our species. In particular, teeth are a sort of biological archive that record in their structures (enamel, dentine and pulp chamber) the different phases of the human evolution.  C. Zanolli et al., PLoS ONE, 13 (2018): e0189773 Read More Recycling alginate composites for thermal insulation Lab-based X-ray comuted microtomography was used to characterize the microstructure of natural-based, effective thermal insulators that are fully recyclable. This simultaneously tackle the issue of energy efficiency and that of a sustainable sourcing for these materials, thanks to a cradle-to-cradle approach and in the spirit of the circular economy.    M. Cibinel et al., Carbohydrate Polymers, 251 (2021) 116995 Read More 0123

The first microCT system was installed in 2006 and was created within a collaboration between ELETTRA, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Degree Course in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics of the University of Trieste.