SKYSCAN 2214 CMOS Edition

The SKYSCAN 2214 uses a latest generation open-type X-ray source. The source offers true spatial resolution below 500 nm, an X-ray energy up to 160 keV and source power up to 16 W. The source is practically maintenance-free with an extremely easy pre-aligned filament replacement procedure.

The SKYSCAN 2214 has an open-type (pumped) nanofocus X-ray source with diamond window. It produces an X-ray beam with peak energy from 20 kV to 160 keV and is supplied with two types of cathodes. The tungsten (W) cathodes operate in the full range of accelerating voltages up to 160 kV and provide a spot size down to 800 nm. The lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathodes can be used for accelerating voltages from 20 kV to 100 kV and provide a spot size of the X-ray beam smaller than 500 nm to achieve the highest resolution in imaging and 3D reconstruction. The JIMA resolution pattern indicates that 500 nm structures can be easily resolved.

For long-term stability of the focal spot size and position of the emission point, the X-ray source is equipped with a liquid cooling system which contains a re-circulator providing precise temperature stability of the cooling fluid.

The SKYSCAN 2214 can be equipped with up to four X-ray cameras for ultimate flexibility: three CMOS cameras with different resolution and field of view balance, and one flat panel detector to cover an XL field of view. All cameras can be selected with just a single mouse click.

Using large-format CMOS detectors with small pixel size allows extension of high-resolution 3D imaging to large objects. The built-in detector flexibility enables adjusting the field of view and spatial resolution according to the object size and density. An advanced reconstruction from a volume of interest provides scanning of a selected part of a large object with high resolution without compromising image quality.

Additionally, the field of view can be increased horizontally and vertically by using offset camera positions and vertical object movement. The 3D.SUITE software automatically stitches the different images together with compensation of the shifts and possible intensity differences

As research topics and analytical needs evolve, cameras can be retro-fitted at any point of time during the system’s lifetime.

The high-precision object stage of the SKYSCAN 2214 supports objects up to 300 mm diameter and 20 kg in weight. The air-bearing rotation motor allows precise rotation of objects at very high accuracy, and the integrated micro-positioning stage guarantees a perfect sample alignment.
The SKYSCAN 2214 has a large and easily accessible sample chamber to allow scanning of big objects as well as mounting of optional stages. On top plenty of space is available for peripheral equipment.

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 & cooling stages can reach temperatures of up to +80 °C or 30 °C 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 2214 is fully compatible with stages from DEBEN. With the included adapter, the DEBEN stage can be simply placed onto the rotation stage of the SKYSCAN 2214.

Additive manufacturing, also commonly called 3D printing, allows the creation of components with complex external and internal structure. Unlike classic techniques which require special molding or tooling, additive manufacturing allows the economical production of both one piece prototypes and large batch production parts. Once completed, confirmation of both the internal and exterior structure is important in ensuring that the component will perform as intended. XRM allows this inspection in a non-destructive manner, giving confidence that a component will meet or exceed specifications.

• Inspection of internal voids for trapped powder
• Validation of external and internal dimensions
• Direct comparison with CAD models
• Analysis of single and multi-material components

By combining materials into a composite the resulting component can have increased strength while significantly decreasing weight. Further optimization comes from ensuring the orientation of the subcomponents is optimized. One of the classic components used are fibers ranging from steel rebar in concrete to carbon nanotubes in aviation materials. XRM allows inspection of fibers and composites without the need for cross-sectioning, ensuring the condition of the sample is not affected by sample preparation.

• Orientation of embedded objects
• Quantification of layer thickness and fiber sizes
• In-situ temperature and physical properties testing with accessory stages

The study of geological specimens, whether it is a core sample from deep below the surface or a rock laying on the ground, offers a wealth of information into the formation of the world around us. Analysis often requires destruction of the pristine sample, removing important provenance of the internal structures. XRM gives a view into the sample without sectioning, allowing faster time to result and the possibility of future analysis.

• Density dependent 3D visualization of the specimen interior
• Pore network visualization
• Digital sectioning allowing application standard geological methods