Compact cold stage for micro-computerized tomography imaging of chilled or frozen samples

Rev Sci Instrum. 2014 Apr;85(4):043708. doi: 10.1063/1.4871473.

Abstract

High resolution X-ray microCT (computerized tomography) can be used to image a variety of objects, including temperature-sensitive materials. In cases where the sample must be chilled or frozen to maintain sample integrity, either the microCT machine itself must be placed in a refrigerated chamber, or a relatively expensive commercial cold stage must be purchased. We describe here the design and construction of a low-cost custom cold stage suitable for use in a microCT imaging system. Our device uses a boron nitride sample holder, two-stage Peltier cooler, fan-cooled heat sink, and electronic controller to maintain sample temperatures as low as -25 °C ± 0.2 °C for the duration of a tomography acquisition. The design does not require modification to the microCT machine, and is easily installed and removed. Our custom cold stage represents a cost-effective solution for refrigerating CT samples for imaging, and is especially useful for shared equipment or machines unsuitable for cold room use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Boron Compounds
  • Freezing*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional* / instrumentation
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional* / methods
  • X-Ray Microtomography* / instrumentation
  • X-Ray Microtomography* / methods

Substances

  • Boron Compounds
  • boron nitride