Computed Tomographic Analysis of Meteorite Inclusions

Abstract

The discovery of isotopic anomalies in the calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions of the Allende meteorite has improved our knowledge of the origin of the solar system. Inability to find more inclusions without destroying the meteorite has hampered further study. By using a fourth-generation computed tomographic scanner with modifications to the software only, the interior of heterogeneous materials such as Allende can be nondestructively probed. The regions of material with high and low atomic numbers are displayed quickly. The object can then be cut to obtain for analysis just the areas of interest.

Pore‐space characterization of an altered tonalite by X‐ray computed microtomography and the14C‐labeled‐polymethylmethacrylate method

“…For tomographic imaging electromagnetic radiation, for example, electrons, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance can be used. During the last decade or so, there has been rapid development in the spatial resolution and technology of X-ray CT scanners and in the reconstruction algorithms, which has greatly increased the possible use of X-ray CT in materialsresearch applications [Carlson et al, 2003;Wang et al, 1985;Arnold et al, 1983]. In X-ray tomography, when the transmitted X-ray intensity is measured, the result is a 3-D distribution of the X-ray absorption coefficient in the sample.…”

High-resolution 3D analyses of the shape and internal constituents of small volcanic ash particles: The contribution of SEM micro-computed tomography (SEM micro-CT)

“…Conventional X-ray micro-CT is a well-established technology first developed for medical purposes (Cormack, 1963;Hounsfield, 1973;New et al, 1974), and subsequently adapted and extended to a wide variety of research fields, including the Earth sciences (Arnold et al, 1983;Conroy and Vannier, 1984;Ketcham and Carlson, 2001). X-ray CT allows for nondestructive 3D visualization and characterization of solids based on differences in the X-ray attenuation coefficients of the sample constituents.…”

3-D Imaging of Cleat and Micro-cleat Characteristics, South Walker Creek Coals, Bowen Basin, Australia: Microfocus X-ray Computed Tomography Analysis

“…CT was originally developed as a medical imaging technique in the early 1970s (Hounsfield, 1972(Hounsfield, , 1973, and the application of the technique to geoscience studies began in the early 1980s. Several publications show the possibility for use of this technique in geology and engineering studies, such as in soil science (Petrovic et al, 1982;Hainsworth and Aylmore, 1983), meteorites (Arnold et al, 1982), petroleum geology (Vinegar, 1986;Vinegar and Wellington, 1986), paleontology (Haubitz et al, 1988), geotechnics (Raynaud et al, 1989), and sedimentology (Kenter, 1989).…”