Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a groundbreaking technique that allows for the study of microstructures inside metals, ceramics, and rocks using X-rays in a standard laboratory setting. This innovative method eliminates the need to travel to a particle accelerator, making 3D X-ray diffraction (3DXRD) more accessible and enabling quick analysis of samples and prototypes in academia and industry.
Published in the journal Nature Communications, this new technique offers a more convenient way to reconstruct 3D images using X-rays taken at multiple angles, similar to a CT scan. By rotating a small material sample in front of a powerful X-ray beam, researchers can obtain micro-scale images of the crystalline structure of materials like metals, ceramics, and rocks. This process provides valuable insights into how materials respond to mechanical stresses by analyzing the volume, position, orientation, and strain of individual crystals.
Traditionally, synchrotrons were the only facilities capable of producing the high-intensity X-rays needed for 3DXRD. However, the limited availability of synchrotron facilities posed challenges for researchers, as project proposals often faced long wait times for beam time allocation.
To address this issue, the research team collaborated with PROTO Manufacturing to develop the first laboratory-scale 3DXRD instrument. This compact device, about the size of a residential bathroom, can be scaled down to fit into a smaller space, making it more accessible to a wider range of users.
The key innovation behind this laboratory-scale 3DXRD is the use of a liquid-metal-jet anode that allows for higher X-ray production without the risk of overheating. By scanning the same titanium alloy sample using lab-3DXRD, synchrotron-3DXRD, and laboratory diffraction contrast tomography (LabDCT), the researchers demonstrated the accuracy and potential of this new technique.
Lab-3DXRD proved to be highly accurate, with 96% overlap with the other two methods in identifying crystals. While it performed well with larger crystals, improvements in photon-counting detectors could enhance its ability to detect finer-grained crystals.
This new technique not only enables researchers to conduct experiments more efficiently but also allows for extended project durations beyond the limitations of synchrotron beam time. By offering a more cost-effective and accessible alternative to synchrotron facilities, lab-3DXRD opens up new possibilities for research and experimentation in the field of materials science.
Lead author Seunghee Oh, along with the research team, has paved the way for a new era of 3DXRD research that is more inclusive and collaborative. With the potential to revolutionize the way materials are studied and understood, lab-3DXRD represents a significant advancement in the field of microscopy and materials science.
