Welcome to the KU Leuven XCT Core Facility!
The KU Leuven XCT Core Facility offers X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) infrastructure and services to study the internal structure and behavior of materials and biological tissues at different length scales.
Our Infrastructure
At KU Leuven XCT Core Facility we have an extensive infrastructure of XCT scanners, in-situ stages & software.
TeScan Unitom HR
The Unitom HR is a modular and flexible sub-micron resolution XCT system. The system aims at making high resolution and high contrast images.
TeScan Unitom XL
The Unitom XL is a multi-resolution micro-CT, optimized for high throughput and contrast, diverse sample types, and flexibility for your research.
GE Nanotom S
The Nanotom S with its high-power nanofocus tube and stabilised ultra-precision mechanics invades the sub-micron range in voxel size.
GE Nanotom M
The Nanotom M with its high-power nanofocus tube and stabilised ultra-precision mechanics invades the sub-micron range in voxel size.
Bruker SkyScan 1172 (2 devices)
The Skyscan 1172 is a microfocus desktop X-ray microtomograph, optimized for small samples and a plug-and-play scanning experience.
Bruker SkyScan 1272
The Skyscan 1272 is a high-resolution desktop X-ray microtomograph, optimized for small samples.
KU Leuven XCT Core Facility Research lines
Nondestructive testing (NDT), quality control, and the study of material behaviour and its functional properties under specified environmental conditions, aiming for production process and material optimization. Covering a resolution range of 400 nm up to several hundred micrometers to unravel the internal structure, morphology, microstructural changes or damage development in materials based on high quality 3D and 4D (time-resolved) XCT images.
Application fields: complex materials, composites, geopolymers, agricultural products and food, dental materials, building materials and biological tissues. Scientists using the equipment and software of the KU Leuven XCT Core Facility profit from the synergy that the collaboration with experienced users in the field provides.
Featured image
The leaf anatomies of the plants grown
under high light (a, c) and low light (b, d). Panels
a and b show the 3D renderings of leaf tissue
acquired from micro-CT scans consisting of
epidermis (dark green), mesophyll (light green),
intercellular airspace (cyan) and veins (blue).
Panels c and d show paradermal sections made at
40% leaf thickness. Bar, 100 µm.
News
4D-XCT monitoring of void formation in thick methacrylic composites produced by infusion
Abstract Void formation in fibre-reinforced polymer composites processed by liquid moulding is a persistent issue in composite research and development. Not only may several void
High photosynthesis rates in Brassiceae species are mediated by leaf anatomy enabling high biochemical capacity, rapid CO2 diffusion and efficient light use
Certain species in the Brassicaceae family exhibit high photosynthesis rates, potentially providing a valuable route toward improving agricultural productivity. However, factors contributing to their high
The 14th International Conference on Industrial Computed Tomography
The KU Leuven XCT Core Facility is excited to participate in the upcoming 14th international conference on industrial Computed Tomography (iCT), held on February 4-7,
Influence of Pore Network Parameters on Hygric Property Prediction for Porous Building Materials
Abstract Hygric pore network modelling, which characterises the macroscopic moisture storage and transport properties by simulating the microscopic storage and transport of moisture in the
Material representativeness of a polymer matrix doped with nanoparticles as the random speckle pattern for digital volume correlation of fibre-reinforced composites
Abstract Combining tomographic imaging with digital volume correlation allows in-situ 3D strain mapping, leading to a quantitative assessment of damage mechanisms and associated material properties
Deep-learning image enhancement and fibre segmentation from time-resolved computed tomography of fibre-reinforced composites
Abstract Monitoring the microstructure and damage development of fibre-reinforced composites during loading is crucial to understanding their mechanical properties. Time-resolved X-ray computed tomography enables such
Why Choose Us
Infrastructure
We offer an extensive infrastructure of XCT scanners, in-situ stages & software.
Team
We have a team of experts ready to help you. We are located just outside Leuven, easily accessible by car, or public transport. Our specialists aim to provide a seamless service.