Scientific X-ray Imaging for Advanced Research Applications
Advanced Spectral and Phase Contrast X-ray Imaging
KA Imaging provides laboratory-based scientific X-ray imaging systems designed for high-resolution, non-destructive research workflows. Our portfolio integrates direct conversion detection, propagation-based phase contrast imaging, and spectral multi-energy capability to support advanced materials characterization and structural analysis.
These systems are deployed across academic institutions, industrial research laboratories, and national research facilities.
Scientific Imaging Systems
KA Imaging offers detector and micro-CT platforms designed for advanced research environments:
inCiTe™ 3D X-ray Microscope
High-resolution phase contrast micro-CT for laboratory-based structural analysis.
inCiTe™ 2.0
Integrated spectral and phase contrast micro-CT for multi-material research
BrillianSe™ Detector
Direct conversion a-Se detector for high-resolution and low-flux research imaging.
Core Imaging Capabilities
Direct Conversion High-Resolution Detection
At the core of KA Imaging’s scientific systems is BrillianSe™, a patented amorphous selenium (a-Se) direct conversion detector with 8 µm pixel dimensions and high Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) at hard X-ray energies.
Direct conversion detection enables:
- High spatial resolution imaging
- Efficient performance above 20 keV
- Low-flux imaging efficiency
- Narrow point spread function (PSF)
- Micro-nano CT compatibility
This architecture supports diffraction-based material microstructure imaging and advanced structural characterization workflows.
Propagation-Based Phase Contrast Imaging
Conventional absorption imaging can struggle with weakly absorbing materials. KA Imaging’s systems implement propagation-based, grating-less phase contrast imaging to enhance sensitivity to subtle density variations.
Phase contrast imaging enables:
- Improved visualization of low-density materials
- Enhanced edge definition
- Improved detectability of weakly absorbing structures
- Complementary contrast to absorption-based imaging
This approach is implemented in the inCiTe™ 3D X-ray Microscope platform.
Spectral Multi-Energy Imaging
The inCiTe™ 2.0 3D X-ray Microscope integrates spectral triple-energy imaging with phase contrast capability in a single micro-CT system.
For each X-ray exposure, inCiTe 2.0 captures dual-energy image data, enabling:
Scientific Research Applications
Materials Science and Composite Research
- Fiber composite analysis
- Additive manufacturing research
- Porosity and inclusion visualization
- Diffraction-based material microstructure imaging
- Internal structure characterization
High-resolution direct conversion detection and phase contrast sensitivity enable detailed analysis of internal fiber architectures, layered composites, and microstructural features.
Semiconductor and Microelectronics R&D
- Device failure analysis
- Fine pitch trace inspection
- Crack and boundary visualization
- Laboratory-based microstructural analysis
Direct conversion detection supports high-contrast visualization of micro-scale electronic structures without optical distortion inherent to scintillator-based approaches.
Biomedical and Preclinical Research Imaging
- Bone microstructure research
- Implant integrity analysis
- Soft tissue contrast enhancement (ex vivo)
- Pharmaceutical formulation inspection
- Specimen radiography
Propagation-based phase contrast imaging improves sensitivity to low-density and soft-tissue structures in laboratory and preclinical research environments.
Energy and Battery Materials Research
- Electrode morphology analysis
- Solid-state battery materials research
- Structural degradation studies
- Multi-material component differentiation
Spectral imaging enhances material separation within complex battery architectures, while phase contrast improves visualization of low-density interfaces and structural transitions.
Why Multi-Modal X-ray Imaging Matters in Research
Absorption contrast provides structural information.
Phase contrast enhances weakly absorbing features.
Spectral imaging enables material differentiation
By integrating these modalities into laboratory-based systems, researchers can:
- Characterize complex multi-material samples
- Reduce destructive testing
- Improve microstructural analysis
- Enhance experimental reproducibility
- Streamline imaging workflows
Advanced Research Facilities and National Laboratories
KA Imaging detectors and systems are deployed in advanced research laboratories and national institutions supporting high-resolution and material-sensitive imaging workflows.
BrillianSe™ direct conversion detectors are utilized in laboratory-based research environments requiring micron-scale resolution and efficient detection at elevated X-ray energies.
Research System Specifications
inCiTe™ 3D X-ray Microscope
A high-resolution benchtop micro-CT system integrating BrillianSe™ direct conversion detection with propagation-based phase contrast imaging.
- 8 µm pixel resolution
- Large 32 mm × 32 mm field of view
- Efficient low-flux imaging
- Grating-less phase contrast implementation
inCiTe™ 2.0 3D X-ray Microscope
An advanced modular micro-CT system integrating:
- Phase contrast imaging
- Spectral multi-energy imaging
- X-ray source options up to 130 kV
- Sub-micron pixel size at maximum magnification
- Larger sample accommodation via Reveal™ flat-panel integration
BrillianSe™ Direct Conversion Detector
A 16-megapixel hybrid a-Se/CMOS detector enabling:
- 8 µm pixel dimensions
- High DQE at hard X-ray energies
- Low-flux efficiency
- Diffraction-based microstructure imaging
- Micro-nano CT applications
Discuss Your Research Application
Scientific research environments vary widely depending on sample composition, experimental objective, and imaging constraints.
Contact our team to discuss your research application or request detailed technical specifications.