Jinan company unveils palm-sized micro-CT scanners

A Jinan company has developed a palm-sized micro-CT scanner that can produce high-resolution 3D images of objects such as medicine capsules and snail shells, offering a compact solution for nondestructive testing.

Developed by Ray Image Testing Technology (Jinan) Co Ltd, the XTOMO-CUBE series measures just 140 × 132 × 220 millimeters and weighs about 6 kilograms, making it the world's smallest CT system in both size and weight.

The scanner delivers detailed imaging. Its 50-kilovoltage-peak X-ray source, 18.5-micrometer detector pixels, and 16-mm scanning field of view enable researchers to visualize intricate internal structures without cutting or damaging samples.

The system integrates an X-ray source, precision rotation stage, and detector, all of which are domestically produced, along with software covering the entire imaging process, from projection data acquisition and CT image reconstruction to 3D rendering.

Its low-energy design makes it suitable for teaching laboratories, where it can be used for CT imaging experiments. It also provides researchers with a flexible platform for image reconstruction and image quality optimization. Weighing just 6 kg, it can also be easily transported and deployed for field applications such as archaeological surveys and geological exploration.

Ray Image Testing Technology (Jinan) Co Ltd unveils palm-sized micro-CT scanners. [Photo/WeChat account: ihep_lans]