Microscope reveals great detail
By Rebecca Morelle
BBC News science reporter
The imaged jaw of the fossilised mammal Viverravus acutus
A new type of microscope is enabling UK scientists to view materials in unprecedented detail.
The device uses X-rays and a technique called "time delay integration" to produce much clearer pictures.
The microscope allows researchers to learn about the internal structure of the specimens they study, and has a wide range of applications.
These uses include the investigation of tooth decay, examining how crude oil is stored, and looking at fossils.
Removing imperfections
The microscope builds on a technique called X-ray microtomography.
"When we scan a specimen, we put it on a turntable and we take X-rays of it around 360 degrees as it is rotated. Then we use a computer programme to convert those individual X-ray projections into a single 3D volume," said Dr Graham Davis, from Queen Mary, University of London, who worked on the project.
But, he said, the images could be grainy and imperfections called artefacts could also appear.
To eliminate this problem, the researchers combined X-ray microtomography with time delay integration. This method involves averaging out any defects before the final 3D image is generated, producing a picture of much higher quality.
The researchers say the detailed imaging device has already shown applications in a range of areas.
They have used the technique to study how tooth tissue behaves during dental decay, by taking images of a tooth after it has been corroded by dilute acid.
'No limit'
"Another application has been to aid the study of how oil flows through rocks," said Dr Davis. "By taking images of sandstone (which holds crude oil), we can show the true structure of the rock."
The technique has also enabled scientists to look at fossils in close detail, even if they are embedded in rock.
The microscope will be used by many research groups
"We have been able to show the inner-ear canal of a fossil in great detail," he said.
Professor Jim Elliott from Queen Mary, University of London, who led the project, said: "As well as developing these microscopes to study subtle variations in internal structure, a main aim of ours is to work with the wider scientific community to identify problems where they could make a real contribution.
"There's no limit to what it would be useful or interesting to look at."
The project is sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and involved researchers from six universities.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4969280.stm[/list]
By Rebecca Morelle
BBC News science reporter
The imaged jaw of the fossilised mammal Viverravus acutus
A new type of microscope is enabling UK scientists to view materials in unprecedented detail.
The device uses X-rays and a technique called "time delay integration" to produce much clearer pictures.
The microscope allows researchers to learn about the internal structure of the specimens they study, and has a wide range of applications.
These uses include the investigation of tooth decay, examining how crude oil is stored, and looking at fossils.
Removing imperfections
The microscope builds on a technique called X-ray microtomography.
"When we scan a specimen, we put it on a turntable and we take X-rays of it around 360 degrees as it is rotated. Then we use a computer programme to convert those individual X-ray projections into a single 3D volume," said Dr Graham Davis, from Queen Mary, University of London, who worked on the project.
But, he said, the images could be grainy and imperfections called artefacts could also appear.
To eliminate this problem, the researchers combined X-ray microtomography with time delay integration. This method involves averaging out any defects before the final 3D image is generated, producing a picture of much higher quality.
The researchers say the detailed imaging device has already shown applications in a range of areas.
They have used the technique to study how tooth tissue behaves during dental decay, by taking images of a tooth after it has been corroded by dilute acid.
'No limit'
"Another application has been to aid the study of how oil flows through rocks," said Dr Davis. "By taking images of sandstone (which holds crude oil), we can show the true structure of the rock."
The technique has also enabled scientists to look at fossils in close detail, even if they are embedded in rock.
The microscope will be used by many research groups
"We have been able to show the inner-ear canal of a fossil in great detail," he said.
Professor Jim Elliott from Queen Mary, University of London, who led the project, said: "As well as developing these microscopes to study subtle variations in internal structure, a main aim of ours is to work with the wider scientific community to identify problems where they could make a real contribution.
"There's no limit to what it would be useful or interesting to look at."
The project is sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and involved researchers from six universities.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4969280.stm[/list]