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227-0965-00L 4 Credits MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET
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Micro and Nano-Tomography of Biological Tissues

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Marco Stampanoni, Dr. Federica Marone Welford
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:43

Abstract

The lecture introduces the physical and technical know-how of X-ray tomographic microscopy. Several X-ray imaging techniques (absorption-, phase- and darkfield contrast) will be discussed and their use in daily research, in particular biology, is presented. The course discusses the aspects of quantitative evaluation of tomographic data sets like segmentation, morphometry and statistics.

Objective

Introduction to the basic concepts of X-ray tomographic imaging, image analysis and data quantification at the micro and nano scale with particular emphasis on biological applications

Content

Synchrotron-based X-ray micro- and nano-tomography is today a powerful technique for non-destructive, high-resolution investigations of a broad range of materials. The high-brilliance and high-coherence of third generation synchrotron radiation facilities allow quantitative, three-dimensional imaging at the micro and nanometer scale and extend the traditional absorption imaging technique to edge-enhanced and phase-sensitive measurements, which are particularly suited for investigating biological samples. The lecture includes a general introduction to the principles of tomographic imaging from image formation to image reconstruction. It provides the physical and engineering basics to understand how imaging beamlines at synchrotron facilities work, looks into the recently developed phase contrast methods, and explores the first applications of X-ray nano-tomographic experiments. The course finally provides the necessary background to understand the quantitative evaluation of tomographic data, from basic image analysis to complex morphometrical computations and 3D visualization, keeping the focus on biomedical applications.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Available online

Literature

Will be indicated during the lecture.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Submission and correct execution of the exercises will provide a bonus of +0.25 on the examination grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Micro and Nano-Tomography of Biological Tissues
  • Mon 09:15-12:00 (ETZ E 9)
3 h weekly

Offered In