Nano-focus computed tomography system (Nano-CT)

• Subject Area: Zoology
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 562975652

Computed tomography in general is an imaging process based on Xrays that is used in industry, medicine and biology. Similar to conventional computed tomography, a nano-focus computed tomography system (Nano-CT) allows the non-destructive analysis of the samples (e.g. bones), but with the decisive extenstion that 1) medium to large samples can also be analysed, and 2) extremely high-resolution images and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions in the micro- and nanometer range are possible regardless of the sample size. This high image quality is essential for the precise analysis of the external and internal structure of biological samples. There is no redundancy between the nano-CT and other devices at the institute. Existing imaging methods only offer insufficient resolution, can only be used for small objects and/or do not provide a 3D image. Only with nano-CT technology can we gain insight into the complex internal structures of organic and inorganic systems and investigate their functional properties. In addition, the constant technological development and the optimization of user-friendliness make a nano-CT an above-average efficient acquisition in terms of the cost-benefit factor. A nano-CT is therefore the ideal and urgently needed addition to the equipment already available at Kiel University in order to strengthen Kiel as a scientific location in the long term.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Nanofokus-Computertomograph (Nano-CT)
• Instrumentation Group: 4070 Spezielle Röntgengeräte für Materialanalyse, Strukturforschung und Werkstoff-Bestrahlung
• Applicant Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Christine Boehmer