Bulletin

Issue: April 2006

News

Ultra fine imaging at La Trobe University

A state-of-the-art X-ray microtomography facility, one of the highest resolution instruments in Australia, will be installed at La Trobe University during 2006.

The facility, to be housed in the Department of Physics’ Centre of Materials and Surface Science (CMSS), employs the technique of three-dimensional imaging such as that used in CAT scans – but with much higher resolution.

Its purchase and operation is supported by a budget in excess of $1,500,000, from the ARC Linkage-Infrastructure scheme, the Victorian State Government and institutional partners Deakin, Monash and Swinburne universities and companies VCAMM Ltd and LM Electroplating Pty Ltd.

Dr Andrew Peele, a Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellow in La Trobe’s Department of Physics, is the project leader, heading a team which includes CMSS director, Dr Paul Pigram and other La Trobe scientists.

He said the new device would allow scientists to probe the structure of a wide range of materials for which it was previously difficult to obtain direct 3D data.

Dr Peele, who specialises in a range of areas related to use and research of X-ray optics, said the facility would help researchers understand the microstructure of materials at a speed and level of detail not readily available to Australian researchers.

‘It allows us to probe in immense detail the structure of a wide range of material including such commercially vital materials as high tech components, laminates for aircraft components and carbon fibres.

‘We can also look at porosity in mineralogical materials, which is very important to geologists and the mining industry, and the porosity of metals vital to the automobile industry.

‘Using techniques that our group has already developed, we will be able to image biological materials, for example of porosity of bones and blood vessels which will greatly advance the study of bone and blood diseases. Other uses of the facility include a detailed examination of the structure of animal eyes, of gemstones and other industry and academic projects.’

Dr Peele said that the X-ray microtomography facility will form a valuable addition to tomographic end-stations available at synchrotron sources, with straightforward access and comparable or superior resolution. When installed, the device will be available to industry and academia on a fee-for-service basis.

Footnote: Is that huge diamond in the ring your partner gave you for Christmas as perfect as it looks? The X-ray microtomography facility can detect cracks and faults in gemstones.

‘Unfortunately,’ says Dr Peele, ‘the Centre for Materials and Surface Science cannot offer this as a free service to University staff.’