Synchrotron nanotomography

Synchrotron nanotomography (SR-nano-CT) is the high-resolution version of synchrotron microtomography, a non-destructive 3D imaging technique.

It is particularly well-suited for studying materials organized at the submicrometer scale, and for characterising porosities, fibres, inclusions, interfaces, and biological tissues at scales inaccessible to conventional non-destructive techniques.

 

Advantages of synchrotron nanotomography

  • Visualisation of submicron structures in 3D

  • High contrast, including between weakly absorbing materials

  • Possible coupling with stimulation devices for 4D studies: growth, corrosion, cracking, etc.

  • Non-destructive analysis of fragile or rare samples

Measurements and analyses with synchrotron nanotomography

  • 3D mapping of microstructure: grains, fibers, phases, porosity
  • Characterisation of nanocomposites, thin films, and coatings
  • 3D structure of battery electrolytes
  • Detailed microstructure for finite element simulation
  • Monitoring of nanostructures under controlled conditions (in situ)
  • High-resolution 3D microscopy of biological tissues: hair, explants, etc.
  • 3D characterisation of pharmaceutical microparticles
  • Quantification of porous networks in filters for flow simulation
  • Analysis of valuable or critical materials

Novitom's Expertise in Synchrotron Nanotomography

  • Tailored sample preparation for optimal imaging results
  • Experimental protocol design based on your specific needs: high resolution, strong contrast, dynamic monitoring
  • Advanced 3D data processing: segmentation, pre-trained AI networks, quantitative measurements, interpretation
  • Directly usable results: beyond images, we deliver conclusions focused on process optimisation, reliability, and performance
  • Comprehensive support: from defining your needs to final delivery, backed by over 20 years of experience

Types of samples

Thin coatings: PVD, CVD, sol-gel deposits

Nanocomposites and hybrid composites

Alloys and superalloys: nano-precipitates, inclusions

Glass and ceramics: vitrified interfaces, protective layers

Pharmaceutical and cosmetic products: emulsions, microparticles

Biological tissues: hair, bone matrices, soft tissues

Examples of analyses using synchrotron micro- and nano-tomography

Technical specifications

Synchrotron nanotomography: a unique technique only available at synchrotron radiation facilities

  • Enables non-destructive 3D imaging of very small samples: approximately 100 µm to 500 µm
  • High resolution: feature size from 25 nm to 100 nm
  • Enhanced contrast: thanks to precise phase estimation (holotomography)
  • Monochromatic beam: up to 30 keV
  • In situ nanotomography possible: sample under thermal, mechanical, or controlled environmental conditions

Complémentarité avec d'autres techniques

Microtomographie rayons-X in situ 

Microtomographie rayons-X (µCT)

Microscopie électronique à balayage basse tension (SEM-FEG)

Microscopie à force atomique (AFM)

Microtomographie synchrotron

Fluorescence rayons-X en microfaisceaux (µXRF)

Micro-diffraction à rayons X

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