For various industries that depend on non-destructive testing (NDT), low-density material imaging is essential, but challenging to execute. Low-density materials do not absorb as much X-rays as high-density materials, leading to low contrast and poor image quality. Throughout North America, many organizations are seeking out the best 3D X-ray microscope for low-density material imaging. To address this need, KA Imaging is working towards more flexible X-ray solutions for NDT that make it easier to visualize objects made of varying materials and densities. Let’s take a look at KA Imaging’s innovative 3D X-ray microscope for low-density imaging.
3D X-ray Microscopy for Low-Density: Introducing BrillianSe, our Core Technology
Developed and patented by KA Imaging, BrillianSe is a digital X-ray camera that uses a hybrid of direct X-ray conversion amorphous selenium (a-Se) photoconductor and Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Together, they create a camera that’s highly sensitive and high resolution. It’s the first of its kind to reach 60 lp/mm spatial resolution in a direct conversion camera. With tiny 8-micron pixels, BrillianSe captures ultra-fine details.
In addition to its capture quality, BrillianSe has a high Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE), making it highly efficient when producing images at low radiation levels and high energies (up to 110 keV). It’s an incredibly versatile piece of NDT equipment for low-density imaging, and is the core technology behind our 3D X-ray microscope, inCiTe.
How BrillianSe Improves Imaging for Low-Density Materials
What makes BrillianSe one of the best tools for low-density materials is its propagation-based (grating less) in-line phase contrast. This advanced technique enhances sensitivity to subtle material differences by detecting not only X-ray absorption but also how X-rays are refracted as they pass through materials. Since low-density objects don’t absorb as many X-rays, in-line phase contrast significantly improves their visibility compared to traditional X-ray imaging. BrillianSe can detect X-rays that pass through a sample, even if they aren’t absorbed.
A Complete Solution for Low-Density Material Imaging: inCiTe 3D X-ray Microscope
Paired with the BrillianSe X-ray detector, the inCiTe 3D X-ray Microscope improves clarity when imaging low-density materials. This NDT solution combines rapid phase-contrast imaging with micro-CT capabilities for improved visualization. Phase-contrast imaging can improve the detectability of fine features by orders of magnitude, especially in soft biological tissues, thin plastic layers, delicate composite materials, and other low-absorption objects.
Additionally, the inCiTe acquisition software enables fast imaging without the need for sample preparation. Scanning can begin within 20 minutes of startup, and images can be reconstructed into high-resolution 3D volumes using VGSTUDIO MAX for further analysis. These capabilities make inCiTe a strong choice for low-density NDT applications.
There are numerous industries that will benefit from the inCITe 3D X-ray microscope, which is designed for low-density materials. Here are three examples:
Life Sciences
The life sciences sector often involves studying low-density biological samples that require high sensitivity and minimal disruption. The high-sensitivity X-ray technology of BrillianSe and inCiTe allows researchers to examine biological samples meticulously without compromising their integrity. This enables high-resolution imaging of tissues, promoting advancements in biological understanding, and pharmaceutical development. Digital reconstruction capabilities decrease reliance on physical samples, preserving rare or delicate specimens and enabling repeat analyses without degradation.
Electronics
With miniaturized components becoming standard, the electronics industry relies on precise, non-destructive inspection tools. BrillianSe enhances the detection of micro-defects in materials like printed circuit boards and inductors, issues that conventional X-ray systems may miss. This improves reliability across consumer electronics, telecommunications, and beyond.
Agricultural
For agriculture, effective visualization of seeds, plants, and food products enhances quality control by revealing internal structures and growth patterns. BrillianSe presents itself as a superior NDT tool, enhancing the ability to monitor crops for potential defects, boosting overall agricultural productivity and quality.
Pharmaceutical
In the pharmaceutical industry, precise imaging of low-density materials is crucial for quality control and research. The X-ray technology of BrillianSe and inCiTe enables detailed visualization of delicate drug formulations, packaging integrity, and biological samples without damaging them. This high-resolution, non-destructive approach helps ensure product safety, efficacy, and compliance with regulatory standards while accelerating drug development and inspection processes.