Synchrotron beamline for X-ray tomography - ANATOMIX

ANATOMIX is a beamline for X-ray tomography on the micro- and nanoscale, in absorption and phase contrast. It operates in the energy range between 5 and 25 keV (up to 50 keV in white beam) and allows its users to obtain two- and three-dimensional radiographic images of bulk volume samples of macroscopic size (up to several cm thickness). For smaller samples, a spatial resolution down to 100 nm (30 nm pixel size) will be available. Real-time studies are possible at speeds of currently up to one microtomography scan per minute; in the medium term this will be increased to one scan per second.

A sample interface designed to be as flexible as possible enables in situ and/or in operando studies under conditions similar to the natural or working environment of the samples (temperature, humidity, mechanical load, transport processes). Biological samples can be measured without dehydration and, in many cases, without chemical fixation.

Construction and operation of the beamline are largely funded by the French State through the project “NanoimagesX” in the EQUIPEX program within the framework "Investissements d'avenir" of the French National Research Agency (ANR).

As of May 2018, ANATOMIX is operational for white-beam microtomography.

Main technical features

Two classes of radiographic methods will be available: parallel-beam microimaging and transmission X-ray microscopy.

  • Parallel-beam microtomography:
  • Photon energies from 10 to 25 keV (up to 50 keV when using a white beam)
  • Beam size up to 40 mm width
  • Resolution down to approx. 1 µm (pixel size 0.3 µm)
  • Absorption contrast, inline phase contrast, X-ray grating interferometry

Transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM, under development):

  • Photon energies from 6 to 18 keV
  • X-ray image magnification via zone-plate X-ray lenses
  • Resolution down to 100 nm (pixel size 30 nm)
  • Absorption contrast, Zernike phase contrast

For more details: Beamline ANATOMIX

Access conditions

Access to SOLEIL beamlines is open to scientists coming from all over the world. SOLEIL deals with proposals submitted by scientists from academic institutions as well as researchers and engineers from commercial organisations and private companies. Access may be of two kinds:

  • Free of charge for users whose results are open for publication (mandatory) and whose proposal has been evaluated by a Peer Review Committee.
  • With charge for admission for users requesting rapid access and/or confidentiality without peer review process and keeping the proprietary of their results.

For more details: Access modes

Contact

https://www.synchrotron-soleil.fr/en/beamlines/anatomix