Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
10:00
Energy Dispersive X-ray Tomography for 3D Elemental Mapping of Individual Nanoparticles
Published on: July 5, 2016
12.5K
Element Mapping in Organic Samples Utilizing a Benchtop X-Ray Fluorescence Emission Tomography (XFET) System
A Groll1, J George1, P Vargas2
1Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801 USA.
IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
|December 26, 2015
Summary
Benchtop X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) enables 3-D elemental mapping of biological samples. This technique visualizes trace-metal ion distributions without complex tomographic reconstruction, offering a new tool for elemental analysis.
Area of Science:
- Elemental analysis
- Biomedical imaging
- X-ray physics
Background:
- X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is an emerging technique for elemental distribution mapping.
- Previous work utilized synchrotron-based XFCT for elemental analysis.
- A need exists for accessible, non-synchrotron-based XFCT systems for biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally explore a benchtop X-ray fluorescence computed tomography system.
- To demonstrate the capability of mapping trace-metal ions in biological samples using a benchtop system.
- To validate the system's performance on phantoms and biological specimens.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a scanning pencil-beam X-ray source to stimulate elemental fluorescence.
- Employed a detection system with slit apertures and position-sensitive X-ray detectors.
- Developed a method for 3-D elemental mapping without traditional tomographic reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated 3-D elemental distribution maps of a triple-tube phantom.
- Produced elemental maps of an osmium-stained zebrafish embryo.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using a benchtop XFCT system for biological samples.
Conclusions:
- Benchtop X-ray fluorescence computed tomography is a viable method for 3-D elemental mapping of biological samples.
- The developed system provides elemental distribution data without requiring complex tomographic reconstruction.
- This technique offers a promising, accessible approach for analyzing trace-metal ions in biological specimens.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
790
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...
790
01:20Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
4.2K
Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...
4.2K
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
1.5K
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
1.5K
01:07Scanning Electron Microscopy
5.9K
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
5.9K
01:29Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy
1.1K
Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which...
1.1K
01:23Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence
3.4K
Atomic spectroscopy is a vital tool in elemental analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It can be broadly divided into optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy methods. The optical spectroscopic methods are atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). The first step in all three methods is atomization, where the solid, liquid, or solution-phase samples are converted into gas-phase atoms and...
3.4K