Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning Facility
The facility hosts a Nikon XT H 225 ST 2x CT scanner, capable of high resolution micro-computed tomography with a wide range of applications across palaeobiology, life sciences, engineering and related fields. The CT scanner permits inspection of the internal and external structure of objects ranging from low-density biological samples, mid- density archaeological materials, and high-density palaeontological, geological and engineering samples.
Main technologies offered
- Nikon Metrology XT H 225 ST 2x CT Scanner, with energy range of 75kV to 225 kV and large chamber (maximum sample size ~70 cm, maximum sample weight 50 kg)
- Reflection (static) tungsten target: suitable for most specimens, minimum spot size 3 microns
- Rotating tungsten target: suitable for denser specimens, minimum spot size 10 microns
- High-powered workstation with VG studio basic license
- Full filter set (copper, tin, silver, aluminium)
Example of research activities
- Palaeobiology
- Museum research
- Archaeology
- Bioengineering
VG Studio visualisation of a CT scan of Eurynotus, the earliest ray-finned fish
Running a CT scan
A lower jaw of the mammal, Palaeoxonodon from the Middle Jurassic of the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Upper image is micrograph and lower is a tomographic slice (from Close et al., 2015).
Contact us
We welcomes enquiries from internal users across the University of Birmingham as well as external researchers. To find out more, please contact:
- Professor Sam Giles (Academic Lead), s.giles.1@bham.ac.uk
- Sarah Jamison-Todd (Experimental Officer), s.jamison-todd@bham.ac.uk