Filtern
Erscheinungsjahr
Dokumenttyp
- Zeitschriftenartikel (89)
- Sonstiges (21)
- Beitrag zu einem Sammelband (11)
- Posterpräsentation (9)
- Beitrag zu einem Tagungsband (8)
- Vortrag (3)
- Forschungsbericht (1)
Schlagworte
- Synchrotron radiation (13)
- XRF (10)
- Synchrotron (8)
- XANES (7)
- BAMline (6)
- EXAFS (6)
- Gold (6)
- Radiography (6)
- Water transport (6)
- X-ray imaging (6)
- RFA (5)
- Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse (5)
- Albrecht Dürer (4)
- Dental implants (4)
- Digital radiography (4)
- Microtomography (4)
- Platinum (4)
- Silberstiftzeichnung (4)
- Silverpoint drawing (4)
- X-ray fluorescence (4)
- X-ray spectrometry (4)
- XAFS (4)
- Implant-abutment interface (3)
- Local current distribution (3)
- Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) (3)
- Resolution neutron-radiography (3)
- SAXS (3)
- SR-microXRF (3)
- Scintillator (3)
- Single-shot XAFS (3)
- Synchrotron X-ray imaging (3)
- Synchrotron instrumentation (3)
- Synchrotron radiography (3)
- Time resolution (3)
- X-ray optics (3)
- X-ray phase contrast (3)
- X-ray refraction (3)
- XAS (3)
- Adsorbates (2)
- Archaeometry (2)
- Archäometrie (2)
- Bragg magnification (2)
- CXC (2)
- Coherent imaging (2)
- Compound refractive lens (2)
- DRIFTS (2)
- Disorganized bone (2)
- Drawing (2)
- Drawings (2)
- Electrochromism (2)
- Fuel cell (2)
- Histology (2)
- Holotomography (2)
- Infrared spectroscopy (2)
- Local structure (2)
- Metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes (2)
- Micro-computed tomography (2)
- Nanoparticle (2)
- Non-destructive evaluation (2)
- Phase contrast (2)
- Quantification (2)
- Silica support (2)
- Speciation (2)
- Synchrotron-CT (2)
- Tomography (2)
- X-ray absorption spectroscopy (2)
- X-ray radiography (2)
- X-ray topography (2)
- XRF analysis (2)
- Zeichnungen (2)
- pnCCD (2)
- 2D/3D imageanalysis (1)
- 3D (1)
- 3D image analysis (1)
- AIMD simulation (1)
- Abdominal appendages (1)
- Abri Pataud (1)
- Adsorption of phosphate (1)
- Adult insects (1)
- Aging mechanism (1)
- Amorphous-alloys (1)
- Analyse non-destructive (1)
- Analysis of fiber material (1)
- Ancient gold (1)
- Areal density (1)
- Articular cartilage (1)
- Bauplan (1)
- Behavior (1)
- Bioceramics (1)
- Bioregenerative ceramics (1)
- Brazil (1)
- Brennstoffzellen (1)
- CO adsoprtion (1)
- CO adsorption (1)
- CT (1)
- Carbon dioxide evolution (1)
- Carbon-dioxide (1)
- Cartilage (1)
- Cartilage islands (1)
- Catalysis (1)
- Cells (1)
- Certified reference material (1)
- Chondrocyte (1)
- Chromium (1)
- Coherence (1)
- Color X-ray camera (1)
- Computed Tomography (1)
- Copper alloys (1)
- Coprecipitation (1)
- Cortical bone (1)
- Cortical bone structure (1)
- Cr (1)
- Crack formation (1)
- Cross section (1)
- Cyclic voltammetry (1)
- Córrego Bom Sucesso (1)
- DMFC (1)
- Data matching (1)
- Deformation (1)
- Degradation (1)
- Dentistry (1)
- Dessins à pointe d´argent (1)
- Detector calibration (1)
- Digital X-ray detector (1)
- Direct methanol fuel cell (1)
- Direct methanol fuel cells (1)
- Dispersion (1)
- Disque déleste de Nebra (1)
- Divergent XAFS (1)
- Double-Crystal-Monochromator with sagittal bender (1)
- Double-Multilayer-Monochromator with meridional bender (1)
- EDXRF (1)
- Edge tomography (1)
- Electrochromic device (1)
- Electron-irradiation (1)
- Elemental analysis (1)
- Elemental imaging (1)
- Emeralds (1)
- Endochondral bone (1)
- Estrogen (1)
- FIB/SEM imaging (1)
- Fast X-ray imaging (1)
- Ferrofluid (1)
- Final Gravettian (1)
- Fingerprinting (1)
- Fluorescence à rayons X (1)
- Fly-ash (1)
- Fourier optics (1)
- Frustration (1)
- Full-field X-ray fluorescence (1)
- Gas diffusion layer (1)
- Gas diffusion layer (GDL) (1)
- Gas diffusion layer (GDL) materials (1)
- Gas diffusion layers (1)
- Gas-diffusion layers (1)
- Geoscience (1)
- Glas (1)
- Glass structure (1)
- Glass-forming ability (1)
- Gold Synchrotron XRF (1)
- Gravettien final (1)
- HR-TEM (1)
- HT-PEFC (1)
- Hiddensee treasure (1)
- High energy resolution (1)
- High quantum efficiency (1)
- High resolution Sy-CT (1)
- Himmelsscheibe von Nebra (1)
- Hydrogen depth profiling (1)
- ICP-IDMS (1)
- INAA (1)
- Imaging (1)
- In situ study (1)
- Indische Moghulmalereien (1)
- Instrumentation for neutron sources (1)
- Iron oxide spectra (1)
- Isotope ratio (1)
- Ivoire de mammouth (1)
- Jan van Eyck (1)
- K-edge (1)
- L3-edge (1)
- LSW (1)
- Lacunae (1)
- Lamellar bone (1)
- Limit of detection (1)
- Linear energy transfer (1)
- Liquid water (1)
- Liquid water flow rate (1)
- Lodine (1)
- Long-range microscope (1)
- Macrophagen (1)
- Maia detector (1)
- Mammoth ivory (1)
- Material analysis (1)
- Materialcharakterisierung (1)
- Mechanical properties (1)
- Membrane electrode assembly (1)
- Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (1)
- Metal elements (1)
- Metal foams (1)
- Metal matrix composites (1)
- Metal point (1)
- Metallic glasses (1)
- Metallnanocluster (1)
- Metals (1)
- Methanol (1)
- Micro analysis (1)
- Micro-XAS (1)
- Micro-tomography (1)
- MicroCT (1)
- MicroPIXE (1)
- Microbeam (1)
- Microporous layer (1)
- Microporous layer (MPL) (1)
- Microstructure in human Teeth (1)
- Minas Gerais (1)
- Modelling (1)
- Monochromatic excitation (1)
- Monte Carlo (1)
- Monte-Carlo simulation (1)
- Multi-component alloy (1)
- Multilayer mirrors (1)
- Nanoalloys (1)
- Nanocapillary (1)
- Nanoparticle formation (1)
- Nebra sky disc (1)
- Neutron detectors (cold, thermal, fast neutrons) (1)
- Neutron imaging technique (1)
- Neutron radiography (1)
- Nodular cast iron (1)
- Non-destructive testing (1)
- Nuclear industry (1)
- Nuclear medicine (1)
- Nuclear reaction analysis (1)
- Optische Eigenschaften (1)
- Or (1)
- Ovariectomy (1)
- Oxidation (1)
- PAA (1)
- PEM Fuel-cells (1)
- PEMFC (1)
- PIGE (1)
- PIXE (1)
- PIXE-XRF (1)
- PLS (1)
- Palladium (1)
- Partial coherence in imaging (1)
- Perforated gas diffusion layer (GDL) (1)
- Peri-implantitis (1)
- Perles rectangulaires (1)
- Phase modulation (1)
- Phase-contrast microscopy (1)
- Phosphoric acid (1)
- Platinum Wavelength dispersive D2XRF (1)
- Polarisation (1)
- Polycapillary optic (1)
- Polycapillary optics (1)
- Polycapillary structure (1)
- Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (1)
- Porosity (1)
- Positron lifetime (1)
- Provenancing (1)
- Pt (1)
- Pt-Pd nuggets (1)
- PtRu corrosion (1)
- RBS (1)
- Rat (1)
- Re-XANES (1)
- Rectangular beads (1)
- Reduction (1)
- Reflectometry (1)
- Renaissance (1)
- Rock porosity (1)
- Ruthenium distribution (1)
- Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse (RFA) (1)
- SR-XRF (1)
- SR-XRF analysis (1)
- SY-RFA (1)
- SY-XRF (1)
- Sample changer (1)
- Scanning SAXS (1)
- Scanning WAXS (1)
- Scanning electron microscopy (1)
- Sediments (1)
- Shear bands (1)
- Silberstiftzeichnungen (1)
- Silica (1)
- Silicon drift detector (1)
- Silicon impurities (1)
- Silver point drawings (1)
- Silverpoint (1)
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (1)
- Solar cell (1)
- Spatial resolution (1)
- Specifikation (1)
- State (1)
- Stopping cross section (1)
- Strain analysis (1)
- String metal support interaction (1)
- Strong metal support interaction (1)
- Structural model (1)
- Styrene butadiene rubber (1)
- Surface analysis (1)
- Sy-XRF (1)
- Sy-XRF analysis (1)
- Synchrotron X-ray (1)
- Synchrotron X-ray tomography (1)
- Synchrotron based microtomography (1)
- Synchrotron micro-computed tomography (1)
- Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (1)
- Synchrotron radiation-based µCT (1)
- Synchrotron tomography (1)
- Synchrotron x-ray radiography (1)
- Synchrotronstrahlung (1)
- TXRF (1)
- TXRF-XANES (1)
- Technical binary alloys (1)
- Temperature (1)
- Thermal stability (1)
- Three-dimensional imaging (1)
- Through-plane (1)
- Titanium (1)
- Trace elements (1)
- Trace-elements (1)
- Transformation (1)
- Trésor d´Hiddensee (1)
- Two-phase flow (1)
- VHCF (very high cycle fatigue) (1)
- Vanadium oxide (1)
- Visualization (1)
- WDXRF (1)
- Water distribution (1)
- Water transport paths (1)
- Wave properties (1)
- White beam topography (1)
- X-ray CCD camera (1)
- X-ray Computed Tomography (1)
- X-ray absorption spectra (1)
- X-ray diffraction (1)
- X-ray energy edge (1)
- X-ray fluorescence analysis (1)
- X-ray micro beam (1)
- X-ray monochromators (1)
- X-ray scattering (1)
- X-ray spectroscopy (1)
- X-ray synchrotron radiography (1)
- X-ray tomography (1)
- X-ray-diffraction (1)
- X-rays (1)
- XRR (1)
- Xanes (1)
- Zerstörungsfrei (1)
- Zerstörungsfreie Analyse (1)
- Zn-Fe-Zr nanoparticles (1)
- gold (1)
- µ-SRXRF (1)
- µCT (1)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 6 Materialchemie (3)
- 6.3 Strukturanalytik (3)
Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (3)
The first hard X-ray beamline at BESSY II will be installed by BAM and PTB at a superconducting 7 T wavelength shifter. The main optical elements of the beamline are a Double-Multilayer-Monochromator and a Double-Crystal-Monochromator. The two devices can be used separately or in-line. Main applications of monochromatic radiation with photon energies up to 50 keV are X-ray fluorescence analysis, micro-computed tomography, X-ray topography, detector calibration and reflectometry. Calculable undispersed radiation up to 200 keV will be available for radiometric applications.
The first hard x-ray beamline at BESSY II has been installed by BAM and PTB at a superconducting 7 T wavelength shifter. The main optical elements of the beamline are a double-multilayer monochromator and a double-crystal monochromator. Depending on the application, the two devices are used separately or in-line. The main applications of the monochromatic radiation with photon energies up to 60 keV are x-ray fluorescence analysis, micro computed tomography, x-ray topography, detector calibration and reflectometry. Calculable undispersed radiation up to 200 keV is available for radiometric applications.
New analyses of a series of very rare silverpoint drawings that were executed by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (16061669) which are kept today in the Kupferstichkabinett (Museum of Prints and Drawings) of the State Museums of Berlin are reported here. Analysis of these drawings requires particular attention because the study has to be fully non-destructive and extremely sensitive. The metal alloy on the paper does not exceed some hundreds of µg/cm². Therefore, synchrotron radiation induced X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) is together with external micro-proton-induced X-ray emission the only well-suited method for the analyses of metalpoint drawings. In some primary work, about 25 German and Flemish metalpoint drawings were investigated using spatially resolved SR-XRF analysis at the BAMline at BESSY. This study enlarges the existing FrenchGerman database of metalpoint drawings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, as these Rembrandt drawings originate from the 17th century where this graphical technique was even rarer and already obsolete. It also illustrates how SR-XRF analysis can reinforce art historical assumptions on the dating of drawings and their connection.
Recent methods of phase imaging in x-ray tomography allow the visualization of features that are not resolved in conventional absorption microtomography. Of these, the relatively simple setup needed to produce Fresnel-propagated tomograms appears to be well suited to probe tooth-dentin where composition as well as microstructure vary in a graded manner. By adapting analytical propagation approximations we provide predictions of the form of the interference patterns in the 3D images, which we compare to numerical simulations as well as data obtained from measurements of water immersed samples. Our observations reveal details of the tubular structure of dentin, and may be evaluated similarly to conventional absorption tomograms. We believe this exemplifies the power of Fresnel-propagated imaging as a form of 3D microscopy, well suited to quantify gradual microstructural-variations in teeth and similar tissues.
A layer of Sb atoms, implanted with an energy of 400 keV and a nominal dose of 5×1016 atoms/cm2 into a high purity silicon wafer, was certified for its areal density (atoms/cm2) using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS) and for its isotope ratio using INAA and ICP-IDMS. Excellent agreement between the results of the different independent methods was found. In the present work, the measurements of the homogeneity of the areal density of Sb, previously determined with RBS in spots having 1 mm diameter, are improved with synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis: Higher precision in even smaller sample spots allows to estimate a reduced inhomogeneity of the whole batch of samples of the order of only 0.4%. Thus the uncertainty of the certified value can further be reduced. Down to fractions of a chip with 0.3×0.4 mm2 area, the areal density is now certified as (4.81±0.06)×1016 Sb atoms/cm2, where the expanded uncertainty 0.06 (coverage factor k=2) corresponds to only 1.2%. The relative merits of the different analytical methods are discussed.
Rock porosity determination by combination of X-ray computerized tomography with mercury porosimetry
(1997)
Abstract First results are described of coupling of mercury porosimetry with X-ray computerized tomography (CT) as a new combination technique for rock porosity studies. This technique is suitable for rock samples with a pronounced mercury intrusion-extrusion hysteresis and includes CT measurements before and after mercury intrusion. The entrapped portion of mercury, when the pressure after the intrusion into the rock sample is reduced to 0.1 MPa, serves as a contrast agent in the porous network to localize spatial distribution of rock porosity by CT. The results obtained show that the mercury intrusion and therefore the porosity were quite different for the separate mineral phases. Therefore the combination of mercury porosimetry and computer tomography can give 3-D data on mineral-specific porosity distributions with additional pore size information. In contrast to mercury porosimetry as a single method, results of the combination technique with CT represent a direct visualization of porosity variation and do not depend on any special pore network model.
A new method for the physical characterization of rock matrices for use in site investigations of nuclear waste repositories has been developed. The method can provide information needed in the assessment of the performance of the geosphere working as a natural barrier retarding the migration of radionuclides by diffusion into the rock matrix. Most conventional methods for the physical characterization of rocks give only bulk information. The combination of mercury porosimetry and computer tomography can give 3-D data on mineral-specific porosity distributions with additional pore size information. Additionally, limits for mineral-specific internal surface areas can be estimated, which is essential for the assessment of water-rock interaction and reactive interaction with radionuclides (sorption). Results of measurements on granitic rock (granodiorite) from the Baltic shield are discussed and integrated with results by complementary methods.
The impact of very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) load conditions on the microstructure of specimens consisting of nodular cast iron is analyzed by means of micro-computed tomography (µCT) utilizing both monochromatic synchrotron radiation and polychromatic X-ray tube radiation. Using 3D µCT, the microstructure in the region of the smallest cross-sections of shouldered round specimens is imaged in different stages of the VHCF loading. By digital image correlation (DIC) of these tomograms strain fields are analyzed three-dimensionally. Strain levels in the range of a few percent were detected. It is proven that a localization of strain allows to predict the site of the crack which precedes and induces the macroscopic failure of the specimens.
Hydrogen analysis is of particular importance in thin film technology and it is often necessary to obtain a depth profile. The method with the best depth resolution is NRA using the 6385 keV resonance of the 1H(15N,αγ)12C nuclear reaction. The correct quantification of the depth and concentration scales in the measured hydrogen profiles relies on accurate stopping power values. We present a method to deduce these values from a combination of two techniques: NRA and X-ray reflectometry (XRR). This method is applied to the determination of the stopping power of ~6.4 MeV 15N ions in H-containing amorphous Si-layers (a-Si:H). Density-independent stopping powers at different H concentrations are determined by combining the results from NRA and XRR with an overall uncertainty of 3.3%, showing good agreement with SRIM values. This work shows exemplary the methodology for future evaluation of stopping powers for quality assurance in NRA.
Archaeological bone, ivory and antler, as well as objects manufactured from them, are largely studied to extract as much information as possible from these materials. Among others, one key question in archaeology is the exact identification of the material. Even if the identification of different kinds of osseous material seems to be trivial in many cases, it can be a difficult issue when small, heavily carved and more or less altered ancient objects are concerned. This study was focused on the determination of parameters allowing the distinction of archaeological ivory, bone and antler in order to identify the raw material used for the manufacture of prehistoric objects. The high performance of synchrotron radiation (SR) and laboratory-based micro X-ray computed tomography (microCT), providing highly resolved three-dimensional information on the micromorphology, permitted the establishment of such distinctive features of modern references of ivory, antler, land mammal and whale bones: ivory shows characteristic tubular pores with a diameter of about 1 to 2 µm, bone and antler show typical osteon structures. In our measured references, antler shows on average larger and more elongated shaped pores of the osteons compared to terrestrial mammal bone. This feature however depends very much on the original localization of the studied sample within the antler. Whale bones can be distinguished from the other osseous materials by a cancellous, osteoporotic-like structure with irregularly distributed rounded porosities with diameters reaching up to 500 µm. These characteristics have also been tested on determined Palaeolithic fragments, as diagenetic changes during burial have to be considered and may lead to the modification of the parameters established on the basis of modern bone references. In general, the chemical composition of bone objects can change drastically over time while micromorphological features, as evidenced by microCT, seem to be less susceptible to such alterations. In addition, microCT enables the comparison of inner and possibly less altered parts of the objects, and can be considered as completely non-destructive for small mineralised prehistoric objects. In this study, specific morphological features allowing the distinction of ivory and of whale bone from other bone and antler material were determined, even for altered materials dating back to Palaeolithic periods. Thus, we provide, in addition to archaeozoological, chemical and isotopic markers, a new non-destructive tool to identify some raw materials used for the fabrication of osseous objects ranging from recent to prehistoric periods.
Larger spectral bandwidth and higher photon flux density are the major advantages of multilayer monochromators over crystal-based devices. Especially for synchrotron-based hard X-ray microimaging applications the increased photon flux density is important in order to achieve high contrast and resolution in space and/or time. However, the modifications on the beam profile induced by reflection on a multilayer are a drawback which can seriously harm the performance of such a monochromator. A recent study [A. Rack, T. Weitkamp, M. Riotte, D. Grigoriev, T. Rack, L. Helfen, T. Baumbach, R. Dietsch, T. Holz, M. Krämer, F. Siewert, M. Meduna, P. Cloetens, E. Ziegler, J. Synchrotron Radiat. 17 (2010) 496510] has shown that the modifications in terms of beam flatness and coherence preservation can be influenced via the material composition of the multilayer coating. The present article extends this knowledge by studying further material compositions used on a daily basis for hard X-ray monochromatization at the beamline ID19 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.
Synchrotron X-ray absorption edge imaging was used to investigate the ruthenium distribution in both fresh and aged Pt/Ru-based membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) of direct methanol fuel cells. MEAs aged in different ways were analyzed: artificially aged by MeOH depletion and aged for 1700 h in an operating fuel cell stack. An element sensitive tomographic technique – differential X-ray absorption edge tomography – was applied allowing for a 3D-visualization of the ruthenium distribution within the MEA. We found a markedly changed Ru distribution after aging which is correlated to the GDL structure, the flow field geometry, and CO2 transport in the methanol solution.
The three-dimensional water distribution and water transport paths in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and the adjacent micro-porous layer (MPL) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) were analyzed during cell operation. The technique of quasi in-situ X-ray tomography was used for a 3D visualization of the water distribution and the structure of the GDL at different operating conditions. Based on findings from in-situ radiographic measurements water transport paths were detected and subsequently examined by tomography. The combination of these 2D and 3D techniques allows for a fully three-dimensionally resolved visualization of transport paths through the GDL.
Biocompatible materials such as titanium are regularly applied in oral surgery. Titanium-based implants for the replacement of missing teeth demand a high mechanical precision in order to minimize micro-bacterial leakage, especially when two-piece concepts are used. Synchrotron-based hard x-ray radiography, unlike conventional laboratory radiography, allows high spatial resolution in combination with high contrast even when micro-sized features in such highly attenuating objects are visualized. Therefore, micro-gap formation at interfaces in two-piece dental implants with the sample under different mechanical loads can be studied. We show the existence of micro-gaps in implants with conical connections and study the mechanical behavior of the mating zone of conical implants during loading. The micro-gap is a potential source of implant failure, i.e., bacterial leakage, which can be a stimulus for an inflammatory process.
The 3-dimensional spatial distribution of liquid water in different gas diffusion layer (GDL) materials was analyzed using synchrotron X-ray tomography. The capability of the method was demonstrated by virtually separating the GDL components in order to facilitate individual analysis of fiber material, liquid water and gas filled pore spaces. The influence of hydrophobic surface treatment on the water distribution in the GDL was illustrated by analyzing three GDL materials with different degrees of hydrophobicity. In the least hydrophobic sample, liquid water tends to form larger clusters which stretch out about several hundred µm inside the porous GDL. In contrast, only small water clusters were found in the strongly hydrophobic material with high Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-content as the liquid is partially pressed out of the GDL. Additionally, the influence of fiber orientation on the water distribution in the felt material was demonstrated.
The Final Gravettian level (level 2) of the abri Pataud (Dordogne, France) yielded a large assemblage of body ornaments that consists essentially of 85 quite standardized rectangular beads. Some uncertainty remained about the raw material in which these small beads were made: mammoth ivory, reindeer antler or bone? Non-invasive methods were employed in order to determine the raw material. First chemical analyses using microbeam Proton Induced X-ray Emission analysis (microPIXE) did not enable us to conclude definitively. Therefore, synchrotron and laboratory X-ray microtomography (microCT) were applied on eight beads and allowed us to identify ivory for all of them except for one, which shows slightly different morphological features.
Synchrotron X-ray radiography and tomography investigations of a custom-made polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell optimised for visualisation purposes are presented. The 3D water distribution and transport pathways in the porous carbon fibre gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were investigated. The authors found that water is not only moving from the GDL into the channel, but can also take the opposite way, that is, from the channel into free pore space of the GDL. Such movement of water into the opposite direction has been subject of speculations but has so far not yet been reported and might bring new insights into the general water transport behaviour, which might give new aspects to the general description of water transport processes and influence modelling assumptions to describe the process taking place in the GDL.
The high-resolution synchrotron-based imaging stations at the BAMline (BESSY) and TopoTomo (ANKA)
(2008)
The BAMline at the BESSY light source in Berlin and the TopoTomo beamline at the ANKA synchrotron facility in Karlsruhe (both Germany) operate in the hard X-ray regime (above 6 keV) with similiar photon flux density. For typical imaging applications, a double multilayer monochromator or a filtered white beam is used. In order to optimise the field of view and the resolution of the available indirect pixel detectors, different optical systems have been installed, adapted, respectively, to a large field of view (macroscope) and to high spatial resolution (microscope). They can be combined with different camera systems, ranging from 16-bit dynamic range slow-scan CCDs to fast CMOS cameras. The spatial resolution can be brought substantially beyond the micrometer limit by using a Bragg magnifier. The moderate flux of both beamlines compared to other 3rd generation light sources is compensated by a dedicated scintillator concept. For selected applications, X-ray beam collimation has proven to be a reliable approach to increase the available photon flux density. Absorption contrast, phase contrast, holotomography and refraction-enhanced imaging are used depending on the application. Additionally, at the TopoTomo beamline digital white beam synchrotron topography is performed, using the digital X-ray pixel detectors installed.
The use of high brilliance and partial coherent synchrotron light for radiography and computed tomography (CT) allows to image micro-structured, multi-component specimens with different contrast modes and resolutions up to submicrometer range. This is of high interest for materials research, life science and non-destructive evaluation applications. An imaging setup for microtomography and radiography installed at BESSY II (a third generation synchrotron light source located in Berlin, Germany) as part of its first hard X-ray beamline (BAMline) can now be used for absorption, refraction as well as phase contrast dedicated to inhouse research and applications by external users. Monochromatic synchrotron light between 6 keV and 80 keV is attained via a fully automated double multilayer monochromator. For imaging applications the synchrotron beam transmitted by the sample is converted with a scintillator into visible light. By use of microscope optics this luminescence image is then projected onto, e.g., a CCD chip. Several scintillating materials are used in order to optimise the performance of the detector system. Different optical systems are available for imaging ranging from a larger field of view and moderate resolutions (macroscope up to 14 mm x 14 mm field of view) to high resolution (microscope down to 0.35 μm pixel size), offering magnifications from 1.8× to 40×. Additionally asymmetric cut Bragg crystals in front of the scintillator can be used for a further magnification in one dimension by a factor of about 20. Slow and fast cameras are available, with up to 16 bit dynamic range. We show the suitability of the setup for numerous applications from materials research and life science.
A new instrument for simultaneous microbeam small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray fluorescence (SAXS/WAXS/XRF) is presented. The instrument is installed at the microfocus beamline at BESSY II and provides a beam of 10 µm size with a flux of about 109 photons s-1. A SAXS resolution up to 500 Å d-spacing and a range of scattering vectors of almost three orders of magnitude are reached by using a large-area high-resolution CCD-based detector for simultaneous SAXS/WAXS. The instrument is particularly suited for scanning SAXS/WAXS/XRF experiments on hierarchically structured biological tissues. The necessary infrastructure, such as a cryo-stream facility and an on-site preparation laboratory for biological specimens, are available.
Trace elements of ancient gold such as Pt, give fundamental information on the circulation of the metal in the past. In the case of objects from the cultural heritage, the determination of trace elements requires non-destructive point analysis in general. These conditions and the need of good detection limits restrain the number of applicable analytical techniques.
After the development of a PIXE set-up with a selective Cu or Zn filter of 75 µm and of a PIXE-XRF set-up using a primary target of As, we tested the possibilities of spatially resolved Sy-XRF to determine Pt in gold alloys. With a Zn filter, PIXE showed a detection limit of 1000 ppm in gold while PIXE-XRF lowers this detection limit down to 80 ppm. This last value being constrained by the resonant Raman effect produced on gold. In order to improve the detection limit of Pt keeping the non-destructiveness and access to point analysis, we developed an analytical protocol for XRF with synchrotron radiation at BESSY II, using the BAMline set-up. The L-lines of Pt were excited by a beam of energy above and below 11.564 keV and measured using a Si(Li) detector with a 50 µm Cu filter. A µ-beam of 100250 µm2 was used according to the size of the sample. The determination of the Pt content in the samples was carried out by Monte-Carlo simulation and subtraction of Au and Pt spectra obtained on pure standards. The limit of detection for Pt of 20 ppm was determined by using certified standards. The detection limits of a small set of other characteristic elements of gold were also measured using an incident energy of 33 keV.
Rocks are commonly very heterogeneous materials. Randomly distributed micro-flaws inside the rock are believed to initiate tensile cracks from which shear fractures develop and coalescence through en echelon interactions leads to fracture. In this paper, we describe the results of applying high-resolution X-ray tomography to samples of greywacke and limestone experimentally deformed under unconfined axial shortening at various loads equivalent to different fractions of the sample strength. Mineral grains, pores, micro-cracks and other voids were imaged with a resolution of 10 µm. 3D image analysis enabled us to monitor the initial state of the samples and the changes in them due to compression. Crack morphology is characterized and compared to the micro-structure of the sample before and after deformation. In the greywacke, formation of a macro-crack ~10° oblique to the stress direction is observed. It initiated in fine intergranular material at the top tip of the sample and is composed of tensile fractures connected by wing cracks. None of the voids defined in the initial state fractured, and the crack is interpreted to have started either as a micro-crack which was smaller than the resolution of the tomography, or, as a completely new crack. In the limestone, cracks are observed to initiate in features that are too small to be imaged by the tomography, or also in newly created cracks.
X-ray topography is a well known imaging technique to characterise strain and extended defects in single crystals. Topographs are typically collected on X-ray films. On the one hand such photographic films show a limited dynamic range and the production of films will be discontinued step by step in the near future. On the other hand new imaging detectors improved for X-ray tomography become more and more attractive even for topography because of increasing resolution, dynamic range, speed and active area. In this paper we report about the upgrade of the TOPOTOMO beamline at the synchrotron light source ANKA, Research Centre Karlsruhe, with a high resolution digital camera for the topography use.
Ein effektives Wassermanagement ist ein wichtiger Aspekt in der Entwicklung von Brennstoffzellen hinsichtlich Langzeitstabilität und Optimierung der Leistungsfähigkeit. Eine zentrale Rolle spielt dabei die Gasdiffusionslage, die für die gleichmäßige Verteilung der Reaktionsgase auf die elektrochemisch aktive Schicht (Katalysator) sorgen soll. In diesem Beitrag werden gemeinsame Forschungsaktivitäten des Helmholtz-Zentrums Berlin für Materialien und Energie (Entwicklung bildgebender Verfahren) sowie des Zentrums für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung (ZSW, Entwicklung von Brennstoffzellen) vorgestellt. Im Rahmen dieser Kooperation werden die Entstehung, die Verteilung und der Transport von flüssigem Wasser, kurz das Wassermanagement, unter Betriebsbedingungen untersucht. Mittels Synchrotronradiografie und -tomografie werden kleinste Wassercluster in der Gasdiffusionslage detektiert. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse dienen der Modifikation und einer gezielten Auswahl der eingesetzten Materialien.
Water transport in an operating PEM fuel cell was investigated with synchrotron X-ray radiography with a spatial resolution of 3 µm and a temporal resolution of 5 s. This method allows for the detection of water accumulations with less than 10 µm diameter. We demonstrate that synchrotron X-ray imaging can dramatically expand the possibilities of imaging with high spatial and time resolution, especially as a complement to neutron radiography. Water transport processes from the first appearance of small water accumulations in the gas diffusion layer to their transport into the channel system were analysed in situ. Correlations between local effects such as water formation and operating conditions of the whole system, e.g. power variations, were found. A recently described eruptive water transport mechanism is analysed in detail.
Biocompatible materials such as porous bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics or titanium are regularly applied in dental surgery: ceramics are used to support the local bone regeneration in a given defect, afterwards titanium implants replace lost teeth. The current gold standard for bone reconstruction in implant dentistry is the use of autogenous bone grafts. But the concept of guided bone regeneration (GBR) has become a predictable and well documented surgical approach using biomaterials (bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics) which qualify as bone substitutes for this kind of application as well. We applied high resolution synchrotron microtomography and subsequent 3d image analysis in order to investigate bone formation and degradation of the bone substitute material in a three-dimensional manner, extending the knowledge beyond the limits of classical histology. Following the bone regeneration, titanium-based implants to replace lost teeth call for high mechanical precision, especially when two-piece concepts are used in order to guaranty leak tightness. Here, synchrotron-based radiography in comparison with classical laboratory radiography yields high spatial resolution in combination with high contrast even when exploiting micro-sized features in these kind of highly attenuating objects. Therefore, we could study micro-gap formation at interfaces in two-piece dental implants with the specimen under different mechanical load. We could prove the existence of micro-gaps for implants with conical connections as well as to study the micromechanical behavior of the mating zone of conical implants during loading. The micro-gap is a potential issue of failure, i. e. bacterial leakage which can induce an inflammatory process.
Micro-gap formation at the implant-abutment interface of two-piece dental implants was investigated in vitro using high-resolution radiography in combination with hard X-ray synchrotron radiation. Images were taken with the specimen under different mechanical loads of up to 100 N. The aim of this investigation was to prove the existence of micro-gaps for implants with conical connections as well as to study the mechanical behavior of the mating zone of conical implants during loading. Synchrotron-based radiography in comparison with classical laboratory radiography yields high spatial resolution in combination with high contrast even when exploiting micro-sized features in highly attenuating objects. The first illustration of a micro-gap which was previously indistinguishable by laboratory methods underlines that the complex micro-mechanical behavior of implants requires further in vitro investigations where synchrotron-based micro-imaging is one of the prerequisites.
Local structures of amorphous and quasicrystalline phases in Zr–Ti–Ni and Zr–Ti–Ni–Cu alloys have been studied by means of x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The amorphous phases show a high degree of icosahedral short-range order. In all investigated systems local order around Cu and Ni atoms was found to be nearly identical pointing to site substitution of Ni by Cu as the reason for an improved glass forming ability when Ni is partly substituted by Cu. The results strengthen an icosahedral cluster based approach for the structure of metallic glasses and indicate the importance of the medium-range order on glass formation.
Current light microscopic methods such as serial sectioning, confocal microscopy or multiphoton microscopy are severely limited in their ability to analyse rather opaque biological structures in three dimensions, while electron optical methods offer either a good three-dimensional topographic visualization (scanning electron microscopy) or high-resolution imaging of very thin samples (transmission electron microscopy). However, sample preparation commonly results in a significant alteration and the destruction of the three-dimensional integrity of the specimen. Depending on the selected photon energy, the interaction between X-rays and biological matter provides semi-transparency of the specimen, allowing penetration of even large specimens. Based on the projection-slice theorem, angular projections can be used for tomographic imaging. This method is well developed in medical and materials science for structure sizes down to several micrometres and is considered as being non-destructive. Achieving a spatial and structural resolution that is sufficient for the imaging of cells inside biological tissues is difficult due to several experimental conditions. A major problem that cannot be resolved with conventional X-ray sources are the low differences in density and absorption contrast of cells and the surrounding tissue. Therefore, X-ray monochromatization coupled with a sufficiently high photon flux and coherent beam properties are key requirements and currently only possible with synchrotron-produced X-rays. In this study, we report on the three-dimensional morphological characterization of articular cartilage using synchrotron-generated X-rays demonstrating the spatial distribution of single cells inside the tissue and their quantification, while comparing our findings to conventional histological techniques.
By means of synchrotron X-ray computed tomography, model composites consisting of silica and styrenebutadiene rubber were studied with a very high spatial resolution. By our analysis technique we were able to determine the nano- and micro dispersion from the experimental results by our numerical analysis. These results are discussed with respect to crucial advantages of the generically 3-dimensional tomography technique as compared to 2-dimensional methods. Our quantitative analysis of the 3d images demonstrates that in the case of our model composites the filler dispersion is good, independent on the filler concentration. Our new 3-dimensional results evidence that considering only 2-d pictures may lead to ambiguities that can lead to wrong conclusions.
A new high-resolution detector setup for neutron imaging has been developed based on infinity-corrected optics with high light collection, combined with customized mounting hardware. The system can easily be installed, handled and fitted to any existing facility, avoiding the necessity of complex optical systems or further improved electronics (CCD). This is the first time optical magnification higher than 1:1 has been used with scintillator-based neutron detectors, as well as the first implementation of infinity corrected optics for neutron imaging, achieving the smallest yet reported effective pixel size of 3.375 µm. A novel transparent crystal scintillator (GGG crystal) has been implemented with neutrons for the first time to overcome limitations of traditional powder scintillators (Li6/ZnS, Gadox). The standardized procedure for resolution measurements with the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is summarized to facilitate comparison between instruments and facilities. Using this new detector setup, a resolution of 14.8 µm with a field of view of 6 mm × 6 mm has been achieved while maintaining reasonable count times. These advances open a wide range of new possible research applications and allow the potential for additional future developments.
Perforated gas diffusion layers (GDLs) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were investigated by means of in-situ synchrotron X-ray radiography during operation. We found a strong influence of perforations on the water distribution and transport in the investigated Toray TGP-H-090 GDL. The water occurs mainly around the perforations, while the holes themselves show varying water distributions. Some remain dry, while most of them fill up with liquid water after a certain period or might serve as drainage volume for effective water transport.
The study was aimed at demonstrating a true cellular resolution for articular cartilage using synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microcomputed tomography (SR-µCT) with a sample-specific optimization of the phase contrast. The generated tomographic data were later used to prepare a matching histological sample from the full volume specimen.
We used highly coherent and monochromatic X-rays from a synchrotron source to image a tissue sample of bovine articular cartilage after deparaffinization. Phase contrast enhancement was achieved by using five different sample to detector distances for the same X-ray energy. After tomography, the sample was re-embedded into resin while retaining a dedicated sample orientation for subsequent sectioning and polishing, which was conducted until a previously defined spatial position was achieved. The protocol for resin embedding was developed to inhibit morphological changes during embedding. Giemsa staining was applied for better structural and morphological discrimination. Data from tomography and lightmicroscopy were exactly matched and finally compared to results from FIB/SEM imaging. Image detail was achieved at a single cell resolution. Image detail was achieved at a single cell resolution, which has been estimated to be 0.833 µm/voxel in the tomographic data.
SR-µCT with optimized phase contrast properties represents a method to investigate biological tissues in certain areas of interest, where true cellular resolution or enhanced volumetric imaging is needed. In this study, we demonstrate that this method can compete with conventional histology using light microscopy but even surpasses it due to the possibility of retrieving volumetric data.
Synchrotron X-ray absorption edge imaging with high energy resolution was applied to study aging of fuel cell catalyst materials. The combination of an imaging and a high X-ray energy resolution set-up allows acquiring spatially resolved XAS (XANES and EXAFS) spectra. We analyzed the two-dimensional distribution of Pt and Ru in fresh and aged fuel cell catalysts. Spatially resolved XAS images were taken at the RuK edge and at the PtL3 edge. Taking radiographs above and below the absorption edges provides quantitative information about the thickness of the catalytic materials and additional chemical information. A strong influence of the flow field channels and the structure of the gas diffusion layers on the thicknesses of the catalytic elements were found: a thinner catalyst layer was found below the ribs of the flow field geometries as well as under crossing points of fiber bundles of the woven gas diffusion layers.
Despite their enormous diversity, the bauplan of adult winged insects (pterygotes) is remarkably conservative since the Lower Devonian: a five-segmented head, a three-segmented thorax with three pairs of walking legs and an eleven-segmented abdomen without any non-sexual appendages 1 and 2. The only known exceptions are the abdominal appendages of adult male sepsid flies on the fourth segment; however, these are also used as copulatory organs and are supposedly maintained through sexual selection [3]. Here, we report a rod-like paired appendage from the third and fourth abdominal segments in adults of the Southeast-Asian Hemiptera taxon Bennini (Figure 1A,B; Supplemental information). These are fully musculated, innervated, and movable and bear highly organized sensory and secretory units. The appendages, termed LASSO (lateral abdominal sensory and secretory organs), are consistent in topology and structure in all species studied and not sexually dimorphic. The existence of these non-sexual abdominal appendages reveals the potential of the 300 million year old conserved bauplan of insects.
A new concept that comprises both time- and lateral-resolved X-ray absorption fine-structure information simultaneously in a single shot is presented. This uncomplicated set-up was tested at the BAMline at BESSY-II (Berlin, Germany). The primary broadband beam was generated by a double multilayer monochromator. The transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111) crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by either an energy-sensitive area detector, the so-called color X-ray camera, or by an area-sensitive detector based on a CCD camera, in θ–2θ geometry. The first tests were performed with thin metal foils and some iron oxide mixtures. A time resolution of lower than 1 s together with a spatial resolution in one dimension of at least 50 mm is achieved.
Investigation of fuel cell materials and liquid water transport by means of synchrotron imaging
(2013)
Synchrotron imaging allows addressing various important issues in fuel cell research, for example water distribution and transport. The water distribution in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) was observed quasi in-situ directly after operation by means of synchrotron tomography. The 3D data set was compared with the tomogram of a dry cell in order to separate the water distribution from cell materials. Engineered transport pathways realized by perforating holes through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) are a recent approach to optimize water transport and cell performance. For some parameter sets a cell performance increase and an improvement of stabilization have already been proven. We present high resolution investigations of the water distribution in perforated GDLs of operating PEMFCs by means of in-situ synchrotron radiography. The surrounding areas of the holes exhibited a distinct hydrophilic character.
Purpose: The implant-abutment connection of a two-piece dental implant exhibits complex micromechanical behavior. A microgap is evident at the implant-abutment interface, even in the virgin state, and its width varies when an external mechanical load is applied. Materials and Methods: This study used high-resolution synchrotron-based radiography in combination with hard x-ray phase-contrast mode to visualize this gap and estimate its size. Commercially available implants with different internal conical implant-abutment connections were imaged. Pairs of implants were imaged as manufactured (new) and after fatigue loading (5 million cycles up to 120 N). Then, different static loads were applied at different angles relative to the implant-abutment assemblies, and the implant-abutment microgaps were measured and compared. Results: Microgaps existed in all systems. Fatigue loading extended the size of the microgap and increased the possibility of micromovement of the implant-abutment complex. The cone angle of the connection also influenced the stability of the abutment, with flatter cones appearing to be more stable. Conclusion: Cyclic loading at medium force (120 N) induces plastic deformation of titanium implants and abutments.
The laboratory rat is one of the most frequently-used animal models for studying bone biology and skeletal diseases. Here we show that a substantial portion of the cortical bone of mature rats is primary endochondral bone, consisting of a disorganized arrangement of mineralized collagen fibers. We characterize the structure and mechanical properties of the cortical bone of the rat. We show that the cortical bone consists of two architecturally distinct regions. One region, consisting of well-organized circumferential lamellae (CLB), is located in the endosteal and/or the periosteal regions while another, disorganized region, is located in the more central region of the cortex. Unexpectedly, we found that the disorganized region contains many islands of highly mineralized cartilage.
Micro tomography showed different structural and compositional properties of the two primary structural elements; the CLB region has lower mineral density, lower porosity, larger but fewer blood vessels and fewer lacunae. However, no difference was found in the average lacunar volume. Additionally the mean indentation modulus of the CLB region was lower than that of the disorganized region. The islands of calcified cartilage were found to be extremely stiff, with an indentation modulus of 33.4 ± 3.5 GPa.
We conclude that though the cortical bone of rats is in part lamellar, its architecture is markedly different from that of the cortical bone of humans, a fact that must be borne in mind when using the rat as a model animal for studies of human bone biology and disease.
Fingerprinting ancient gold work requires the use of nondestructive techniques with high spatial resolution (down to 25 µm) and good detection limits (micrograms per gram level). In this work experimental setups and protocols for synchrotron radiation induced X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) at the BAMline of the Berlin electron storage ring company for synchrotron radiation (BESSY) in Berlin for the measurement of characteristic trace elements of gold are compared considering the difficulties, shown in previous works, connected to the quantification of Pt. The best experimental conditions and calculation methods were achieved by using an excitation energy of 11.58 keV, a silicon drift chamber detector (SDD) detector, and pure element reference standards. A detection limit of 3 µg/g has been reached. This newly developed method was successfully applied to provenancing the Xiongnu gold from the Gol Mod necropolis, excavated under the aegis of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The composition of the base alloys and the presence of Pt and Sn showed that, contrary to what is expected, the gold foils from the first powerful empire of the steppes along the Great Wall were produced with alluvial gold from local placer deposits located in Zaamar, Boroo, and in the Selenga River.
Water evolution in the gas diffusion layer of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell was visualized in situ by means of synchrotron X-ray radiography. Cracks in the microporous layer were identified as start points of efficient liquid water transfer paths through the gas diffusion layer. Quantitative analysis of the water flow rate through those arbitrarily distributed cracks into the gas channel revealed that they have a strong influence on the overall liquid water transport. This could find entry into future material design and simulation.
In contrast to classical low temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (LT-PEFCs), the membrane conductivity in high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEFCs) (operating temperature ~ 160 °C) is based on proton transport within phosphorus-oxygen acids at different levels of hydration, orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) being the simplest example. We present for the first time in-situ synchrotron X-ray radiography measurements applied to a HT-PEFC to gain insight into the local composition of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) under dynamic operating conditions. Transmission changes during the radiographic measurements exhibit a clear influence of the formation of product water on the membrane composition.
The carbon dioxide evolution and bubble formation in an operating fuel has been studied by means of synchrotron X-ray radiography. Two different observation directions have been chosen: a through-plane insight has been employed to track the formation of bubbles starting at the corner of the lands of the flow field; a depth profile of the carbon dioxide evolution has been derived from cross sectional studies describing an affected area of up to 100 µm. The dynamics of the bubble formation and detachment of the bubbles from the position of formation is strongly correlated with the current density. Cracks and breaks in the catalyst layer which result from the preparation process are visible under operating conditions and a possible swelling of the catalyst layer does not reach a complete vanishing of the cracks.
Coarsening of grain-refined semi-solid Al-Ge32 alloy: X-ray microtomography and in situ radiography
(2007)
The adsorption behavior of Platinum nanoparticles was studied for the as-received catalyst (under inert gas), under hydrogen and CO atmosphere using our newly designed in-situ cell. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) experiments were performed simultaneously with high data quality. Structural information and the type of adsorbate could be revealed via Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analysis, Δμ X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure analysis (Δμ XANES) and in-situ DRIFTS. The as-received catalyst showed sub-surface oxygen and O(n-fold). Under CO atmosphere only CO(atop) was found. Reversible adsorbate induced changes of the Pt nanoparticle structure were derived from changes in the Pt-Pt coordination number and the corresponding bond distance. Under reducing conditions (H2, CO) a significant increase in both values occurred. Temperature dependent desorption of CO revealed a gradual shift from Pt-CO to Pt-O. Reoxidation was clearly assigned to strong metal support interaction from the SiO2 support.
The local structure around Ni and La atoms in Al85Ni10La5 amorphous powder after ball milling was investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. A continuous decrease in coordination number of Ni and La as a function of milling time was observed, while the nearest neighbour distance and the mean square atomic displacement did not change, pointing at the creation of free volume around the Ni and La atoms. These structural changes resemble those of a liquid upon temperature increase. The results are described by a shear band model in which the coordination numbers of Ni and La are different within and outside a shear band.
Influence of artificial aging of gas diffusion layers on the water management of PEM fuel cells
(2014)
The influence of artificial aging of gas diffusion layers (GDL) on the water management within the GDL was investigated in-operando by synchrotron X-ray radiography. One GDL was subjected to an accelerated aging procedure in 30% H2O2 solution, while another GDL was pristine. Radiographic measurements were combined with temporally resolved electrical analyzes. Significant differences in cell voltage and water accumulation were observed during cell operation at steady-state conditions. The cell which contained the aged GDL featured a higher water amount especially at the anode side and a lower cell voltage.
Objectives:
Dental peri-implantitis is characterized by a multifactorial etiology. The role of metal elements as an etiological factor for peri-implantitis is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of metal elements in bone and mucosal tissues around dental Grade 4 CP titanium implants with signs of peri-implantitis in human patients.
Methods:
In this prospective pilot study, all patients were enrolled consecutively in two study centers. Bone and soft tissue samples of patients with peri-implantitis with indication for explantation were analyzed for the incidence of different elements (Ca, P, Ti, Fe) by means of
synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SRXRF) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). The existence of macrophages and lymphocytes in the histologic specimens was analyzed.
Results:
Biopsies of 12 patients (seven bone samples, five mucosal samples) were included and analyzed. In nine of the 12 samples (75%), the SRXRF examination revealed the existence of titanium (Ti) and an associated occurrence with Iron (Fe). Metal particles were detected in peri-
implant soft tissue using PLM. In samples with increased titanium concentration, lymphocytes were detected, whereas M1 macrophages were predominantly seen in samples with metal particles.
Conclusion:
Titanium and Iron elements were found in soft and hard tissue biopsies retrieved from peri-implantitis sites. Further histologic and immunohistochemical studies need to clarify which specific immune reaction metal elements/particles induce in dental peri-implant tissue.
To better study the impact of nanoparticles on both in vitro and in vivo models, tissue distribution and cellular doses need to be described more closely. Here silver nanoparticles were visualized in alveolar macrophages by means of synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-μXRF) with high spatial resolution of 3 × 3 μm2. For the spatial allocation of silver signals to cells and tissue structures, additional elemental labeling was carried out by staining with eosin, which binds to protein and can be detected as bromine signal with SR-μXRF. The method was compatible with immunostaining of macrophage antigens. We found that the silver distribution obtained with SR-μXRF was largely congruent with distribution maps from a subsequent laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) of the same tissue sites. The study shows a predominant, though not exclusive uptake of silver into alveolar macrophages in the rat lung, which can be modeled by a similar uptake in cultured alveolar macrophages. Advantages and limitations of the different strategies for measuring nanoparticle uptake at the single cell level are discussed.
The adsorption behavior of Platinum nanoparticles was studied for the as-received catalyst (under inert gas), under hydrogen and CO atmosphere using our newly designed in-situ cell. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) experiments were performed simultaneously with high data quality. Structural information and the type of adsorbate could be revealed via Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analysis, Dl X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure analysis (Dl XANES) and in-situ DRIFTS. The as-received catalyst showed sub-surface oxygen and O(n-fold). Under CO atmosphere only CO(atop) was found. Reversible adsorbate induced changes of the Pt nanoparticle structure were derived from changes in the PtAPt coordination number and the corresponding bond distance. Under reducing conditions (H2, CO) a significant increase in both values occurred. Temperature dependent desorption of CO revealed a gradual shift from PtACO to PtAO. Reoxidation was clearly assigned to strong metal support interaction from the SiO2 support.
Background. Post-menopausal osteoporosis is a common health problem worldwide, most commonly caused by estrogen deficiency. Most of the information regarding the skeletal effects of this disease relates to trabecular bone, while cortical bone is less studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of estrogen deficiency on the structure and mechanical properties of cortical bone.
Methods. Eight ovariectomized (OVH) and eight intact (control) Sprague Dawley rats were used. Structural features of femoral cortical bone were studied by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron-based microcomputer-tomography and their mechanical properties determined by nano-indentation.
Results. Cortical bone of both study groups contains two distinct regions: organized
circumferential lamellae and disordered bone with highly mineralized cartilaginous islands. Lacunar volume was lower in the OVH group both in the lamellar and disorganized regions (182 ± 75 µm3 vs 232 ± 106 µm3 , P < 0.001 and 195 ± 86 µm3 vs. 247 ± 106 µm3 , P < 0.001, respectively). Lacunar density was also lower in both bone regions of the OVH group (40 ± 18 ×103 lacunae/mm3 vs. 47 ± 9×103 lacunae/mm3
in the lamellar region, P = 0.003 and 63 ± 18×103 lacunae/mm3
vs. 75 ± 13×103 lacunae/mm3 in the disorganized region, P < 0.001). Vascular canal volume was lower in the disorganized region of the bone in the OVH group compared to the same Region in the control group (P < 0.001). Indentation moduli were not different between the study groups in both bone regions.
Discussion. Changes to cortical bone associated with estrogen deficiency in rats require high-resolution methods for detection. Caution is required in the application of These results to humans due to major structural differences between human and rat bone.
Currently great effort is made to find materials and technologies for the recycling of phosphate from wastewater.
Herein, we present an in-depth study of the Phosphate adsorption mechanism of a promising adsorber material, a Zn−Fe−Zr oxyhydroxide-based nanostructured precipitate. The behavior of the multicomponent nanomaterial, consisting of both crystalline and amorphous parts, is investigated via X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy, revealing the importance of the nanostructured composition for the phosphate adsorption. We found evidence that adsorption takes place especially in the vicinity of iron sites in the amorphous part of the material.
In this investigation, synchrotron X-ray imaging was used to investigate the water distribution inside newly developed gas diffusion media in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. In-situ radiography was used to reveal the relationship between the structure of the microporous layer (MPL) and the water flow in a newly developed MPL equipped with randomly arranged holes. A strong influence of these holes on the overall water transport was found. This contribution provides a brief overview to some of our recent activities on this research field.
Flexible electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on Fe(II)-metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes (Fe-MEPE) and vanadium oxide are studied in operando by means of x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The ECDs are blue-purple in the colored state at 0.0 V and become light yellow when a voltage of 1.6 V is applied. The XAFS studies at the K-edge of Fe(II) reveals that the absorption edge is shifted toward higher energies by 1.8 eV in the transparent state. Comparison of two different ECDs and different charge cycles demonstrates the reversibility and repeatability of the process. We attribute the shift to a charge transfer and a change of oxidation state of the ions from Fe2+ to Fe3+. The transition is not accompanied by a noticeable structural change of the octahedral coordination geometry as confirmed by analysis of the extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The structure of nanoparticles typically differs
from its bulk counterpart. Predominantly, the structures of
gold nanoparticles have been under exceedingly intense
discussion since the discovery of their high catalytic
activity. We found an increasing bond length contraction
with decreasing particle size for citrate-stabilized gold
nanoparticles in aqueous solution as determined by in situ
extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy.
Particle sizes and size distributions were determined
by small-angle X-ray scattering. The analysis of the
obtained EXAFS spectra employing ab initio calculations
reveals that the Au–Au bond length undergoes a contraction
of 2 pm for nanoparticles with a radius of 2.9 nm. NIST
reference material RM 8011 gold nanoparticles with a
radius of 4.4 nm exhibit a smaller contraction of approximately
1 pm. Finally, gold atoms in RM 8013 particles
with a radius of 25.7 nm show distances of 288 pm—
identical to the distance in gold foil—and exhibits bulk-like
properties. The observed bond length contraction of gold
nanoparticles in solution is significantly smaller than
previously reported for gold nanoparticle deposited on
surfaces, which is up to 15 pm. This indicates that the
bond length contraction effect of 'free' and 'surfaceimmobilized'
nanoparticles differ fundamentally. Such
difference could be essential for the understanding of
nanoparticle-supported catalysis.
Agglomerated superparamagnetic iron
oxide nanoparticles can easily and in large scale be
precipitated from iron salt solutions. Although the
process is well known, it is ambiguously either assumed
that magnetite or maghemite is obtained. The first part
of our study clarifies this question using X-ray absorption
spectroscopy. For further processing of the nanoparticles,
i.e., for giving them a surface functionality or
incorporating them into composites, it is important to
break the agglomerates and individualize the particles
at first. This can effectively be done with nitric acid
treatment. The influence of this process on the particles
chemistry and structure was analyzed in great detail
using X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption, and smallangle
X-ray scattering. In contrast to our expectation,
no oxidation from magnetite (Fe3O4) to maghemite (γ-
Fe2O3) was found; the formal valence of the particles in
any case is magnetite (Fe3O4). Instead, an increase in
the particles' surface disorder was discovered from
X-ray absorption analyses and high-resolution transmission
electron microscopy. The acid treatment
roughens and distorts the surface of the nanoparticles
which is connected with an increased spin disorder.
Rigid rod-type metallo-supramolecular coordination polyelectrolytes with Fe(II) centres (Fe-MEPEs) are produced via the self-assembly of the ditopic ligand 1,4-bis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-4'-yl)benzene (tpy-ph-tpy) and Fe(II) acetate. Fe-MEPEs exhibit remarkable electrochromic properties; they change colour from blue to transparent when an electric potential is applied. This electrochemical process is generally reversible. The blue colour in the ground state is a result of a metal-to-ligand charge transfer at the Fe(II) centre ion in a quasi-octahedral geometry. When annealed at temperatures above 100 °C, the blue colour turns into green and the formerly reversible electrochromic properties are lost, even after cooling down to room temperature. The thermally induced changes in the Fe(II) coordination sphere are investigated in situ during annealing of a solid Fe-MEPE using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The study reveals that the thermally induced transition is not accompanied by a redox process at the Fe(II) centre. From the detailed analysis of the XAFS spectra, the changes are attributed to structural changes in the coordination sphere of the Fe(II) site. In the low temperature state, the Fe(II) ion rests in a quasi-octahedral coordination environment surrounded by six nitrogen atoms of the pyridine rings. The axial Fe–N bond length is 1.94 Å, while the equatorial bond length amounts to 1.98 Å. In the high temperature state, the FeN6-site exhibits a distortion with the axial Fe–N bonds being shortened to 1.88 Å and the equatorial Fe–N bonds being elongated to 2.01 Å.
A new concept that comprises both time- and lateral-resolved X-ray absorption fine-structure information simultaneously in a single shot is presented. This uncomplicated set-up was tested at the BAMline at BESSY-II (Berlin, Germany). The primary broadband beam was generated by a double multilayer monochromator. The transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111) crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by either an energy-sensitive area detector, the so-called color X-ray camera, or by an area-sensitive detector based on a CCD camera, in θ-2θ geometry. The first tests were performed with thin metal foils and some iron oxide mixtures. A time resolution of lower than 1 s together with a spatial resolution in one dimension of at least 50 µm is achieved.
Slicing - a new method for non destructive 3D elemental sensitive characterization of materials
(2014)
Recent advances in synchrotron sources and detector technology have led to substantial improvements in spatial resolution and detection limits for X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). However, the non-destructive three-dimensional elemental sensitive characterization of samples remains a challenge. We demonstrate the use of the so-called 'Color X-ray Camera' (CXC) for 3D measurements for the first time. The excitation of the sample is realized with a thin sheet-beam. The stepwise movement of the sample allows getting the elemental distribution for each layer with one measurement. These layers can be combined to a full 3D dataset for each element afterwards. Since the information is collected layer by layer, there is no need to apply reconstruction techniques, which quite often are the reason for artifacts in the results achieved by computed tomography (CT). The field of applications is wide, as the 3D elemental distribution of a material contains clues to processes inside the samples from a variety of origins. The technique is of special interest and well suited for biological specimens, because their light matrix minimizes restricting absorption effects. Measurement examples of a hornet and the teeth of a Sorex araneus are shown.
This Report describes the certification of the reference material antimony implanted in Si/SiO2 intended to be used for calibration of surface and near surface analytical methods. It describes the preparation, homogeneity measurements and the analytical work performed for the certification of both Areal density of antimony Atoms (retained dose) and the isotope amount Ratio as well as giving considerations on the stability of the material.
A study regarding the possibility to use compound refractive lenses (CRLs) for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was conducted. For XAS measurements the energy of the monochromatic incident beam has to be tuned over an energy range which is broader than the energy bandwidth of a CRL. To prove that µ-XAS with compound refractive lenses is possible, it had to be investigated how changes in the energy influence the beam parameters. This was done by tuning the energy around the nominal energy of the lens and recording images with a high resolution X-ray imaging setup. To investigate the changes in the spot size the scintillator was placed at the nominal focal distance and scans along the beam axis were performed. The effect on the photon flux of the incident beam due to absorption in the lens was investigated by performing XANES measurement on different reference materials with and without CRL. The results of these measurements using a CRL designed for 9 keV are shown and discussed.
We report on the trace analysis of copper and iron impurities in multicrystalline silicon wafers with the microbeam X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) technique. The efficiency of solar cells, which are based on multicrystalline silicon wafers, is strongly influenced by minor contamination with metals such as copper and iron. Application of compound refractive lenses (CRLs) in µ-XRF allows versatile two-dimensional mapping of relevant contaminations and localization of their sites of deposition. In this context, the measured bulk average limit of detection (LOD) was one picogram of iron and copper per gram of silicon. We suggest that µ-XRF is a valuable tool for non-destructive spatial (3D) quantification of metal impurities in a wide range of materials and devices whose functioning could be critically affected by impurities.
An automatic sample changer chamber for total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis in TXRF geometry was successfully set up at the BAMline at BESSY II. TXRF and TXRF-XANES are valuable tools for elemental determination and speciation, especially where sample amounts are limited (<1 mg) and concentrations are low (ng ml⁻¹ to μg ml⁻¹). TXRF requires a well defined geometry regarding the reflecting surface of a sample carrier and the synchrotron beam. The newly installed chamber allows for reliable sample positioning, remote sample changing and evacuation of the fluorescence beam path. The chamber was successfully used showing accurate determination of elemental amounts in the certified reference material NISTwater 1640. Low limits of detection of less than 100 fg absolute (10 pg ml⁻¹) for Ni were found. TXRF-XANES on different Re species was applied. An unknown species of Re was found to be Re in the +7 oxidation state.
The aim of the present study is to characterize emeralds from different mines of Brazil by using Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Microanalysis (µ-SRXRF). The advantage of this technique is that we can analyze a homogeneous, inclusion free area of the stone with the microbeam to distinguish the elemental fingerprint according to the provenance of the emerald. A total of 47 samples belonging to 5 different Brazilian mines were studied in this work and 28 elements were identified. By means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) it is possible to build different groups according to the provenance of the stones, which allows to assign samples of unknown origin to the according mine.
The content of chromium in different oxidation states in chromium-treated wood was studied with XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) measurements at the Cr K absorption edge. It could be shown that wood samples treated with Cr(VI) (pine and beech) did still contain a measurable content of Cr(VI) after four weeks conditioning. If such wood samples were heat exposed for 2 h with 135 °C prior conditioning, Cr(VI) was no longer detected by XANES, indicating a complete reduction to chromium (III).
A set of compound refractive lenses (CRLs), mounted on a silicon wafer, was obtained from the Institut für Mikrostrukturtechnik Karlsruhe. The CRLs were characterized at the BAMline at the synchrotron BESSYII in Berlin. It could be demonstrated that beam diameters below 1 µm can be obtained. The beam size accepted by the lenses is (140 × 140) µm2, thus the intensity gain in the micrometer spot, including absorption, is about 15,000. It is possible to switch between different beam energies within a few minutes. First results of scans and the application of the lenses for MicroXANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) measurements are presented in this paper. Also, the possibility of MicroEXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) measurements is discussed.