Micro-CT scanning is crucial in research as it enables non-destructive, high-resolution imaging of internal structures, providing detailed 3D views of materials, biological tissues and systems. (Photo credit: Micro Photonics, Inc.)

As nanotechnology and advanced imaging techniques progress in academia, university researchers need state-of-the-art equipment to meet their needs. Through a grant from the United States Department of Defense (DOD), the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University has acquired an advanced micro-CT system that will greatly enhance research across various fields, including ocean science, maritime systems, advanced sensors, materials, biology and medicine.

Micro-CT scanning enables the study of complex structures and phenomena that would be difficult or impossible to observe using other techniques. By examining the internal structures of cells, materials and systems, researchers can better understand their intrinsic properties, strengthening research and educational initiatives. 

The acquisition of the micro-CT system at FAU will boost the university’s imaging capabilities and drive cutting-edge research in advanced materials, energy, environmental science, and biomedical engineering, aligning with DOD research priorities.

“Micro-CT scanning is crucial in research as it enables non-destructive, high-resolution imaging of internal structures, providing detailed 3D views of materials, biological tissues and systems. It allows for fast, cost-effective analysis while preserving samples for further study,” said Myeongsub “Mike” Kim, Ph.D., principal investigator and an associate professor in the FAU Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering and FAU Department of Biomedical Engineering. “This technique is versatile across fields like material science, biology and engineering, offering deep insights into properties such as porosity, density and fluid flow.”

FAU has acquired the Bruker SKYSCAN 1273, a next-gen benchtop 3D X-ray microscope for non-destructive testing using micro-CT. Located in the FAU Microfluidics and Energy Laboratory in the Behavioral Sciences building, the system provides high-resolution imaging of internal structures and fluid flow in samples up to 500 millimeters long, 300 millimeters in diameter, and 20 kilograms. With a high-energy X-ray source and a 6-megapixel flat-panel detector, it delivers results in under 15 seconds and can scan down to 3 micrometers. The system is easy to operate and requires minimal maintenance.

“The addition of a new micro-CT system at Florida Atlantic will transform our research in advanced materials, biomedical samples, and engineered systems, supporting a wide range of funded projects,” said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “It will provide students with valuable hands-on experience, fostering STEM education, while also encouraging industry collaboration to boost product development and economic growth. This system will position our university as a leader in research and technology, ensuring lasting impact and sustainability for both our academic and community partners.”

Beyond research, the micro-CT at FAU will play a key role in education and outreach. It will allow undergraduate and graduate students to explore the internal structures of materials and systems at the microscale, enhancing their understanding of course projects and research. The system will also support student innovation in designing new sensors, materials and systems, complemented by rapid prototyping. Additionally, the micro-CT facility will engage local disadvantaged high school and middle school students and teachers, sparking interest in STEM fields. By potentially offering access to local industries, the system can strengthen product design and manufacturing, contributing to regional economic growth and job creation.

To ensure the sustainability and accessibility of this advanced equipment, Kim and the project team will engage a broad range of users, including FAU researchers, external academic institutions and industry partners, through a structured user fee system. This approach will support ongoing maintenance and upgrades while fostering collaborations that expand beyond FAU, positioning the university as a hub for advanced imaging and material characterization.

“By bringing this capability in-house, our researchers, students and industry partners will have uninterrupted access to cutting-edge imaging technology, accelerating research, improving project integration, and enhancing overall output,” said Kim.

Co-PIs of the project are Jordan Beckler, Ph.D., an assistant professor, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and a member of the FAU Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE); Donna Chamely-Wiik, Ph.D., associate dean, FAU Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) and an associate scientist in chemistry, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; Oscar M. Curet, Ph.D., an associate professor; Manhar R. Dhanak, Ph.D., a professor; Kevin Yunqing Kang, Ph.D., an associate professor; Hassan Mahfuz, Ph.D., a professor; Masoud Jahandar Lashaki, an assistant professor; and Sarah E. Du, Ph.D., an associate professor, all with the FAU Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering; Aditya Nayak, Ph.D., an associate professor, FAU Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering and FAU Harbor Branch; Ray Coleman, Ph.D., executive director, Pine Jog Environmental Center, FAU College of Education; Renjie Wang, Ph.D., an assistant professor; and Zhu-Lin “Sam” Xie, Ph.D., an assistant professor, both with the FAU Department of Chemistry; and Vivian Merk, Ph.D., an assistant professor, FAU Department of Chemistry, FAU Department of Biomedical Engineering, and FAU Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering.

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