(The technology is expected to be available by the end of 2024.)

At CORREL, we integrate X-ray imaging (XRI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy into a single platform, offering a unique correlative approach that combines multi-modal imaging and spectroscopy for sample analysis. CORREL facilitates the simultaneous acquisition of spatio-temporally resolved chemical information (NMR spectroscopy) and structural information (XRI, phase-sensitive XRI, MRI) from a single sample, across various length and time scales specific to each method.

We recommend a preliminary consultation with our team on the following topics before initiating a project:

1. Sample concentration and/or quantity;
2. Sample size and additional experimental conditions (e.g., temperature, current/voltage, fluids in/out);
3. Sample phase;
4. Target nuclei to be analyzed;
5. Type of samples (e.g., low-absorbing, composite with similar characteristics, degradable, X-ray radiation-sensitive);
6. Process to be studied and temporal resolution;
7. Desired imaging resolution and contrast requirements.

Features / Characteristics

Bruker BioSpec 70/11 System

• Field strength: 7.0 T
• Bore diameter: 105 mm
• Cylindrical homogeneity volume: Diameter x Length 30 x 60 mm
• Homogeneity: peak-peak 4 ppm
• Gradient strength: 740 mT/m

RF Channels

• 1H/19F
• 12C, 7Li, 23Na (other nuclei are possible upon consultation)

X-ray

• Acceleration voltage up to 70 keV
• 250 W max. electron beam power
• X-ray spectrum with Ga Ka-Line at 9.24 keV and In Ka-Line at 24.2 keV
• Source spot size: 20 µm vertical x 80 µm horizontal at 250 W; 10 µm x 10 µm at 10 W
• Resolution in Computed Tomography (CT) imaging: 30 µm voxel size for centimetre size samples, 5 µm voxel size for below 2 mm sample size

Typical measurement methods

• MR imaging and NMR spectroscopy
• Computed Tomography (CT) in about 3 h total exposure time
• Radiography
• Absorption / phase / darkfield contrast imaging using Talbot-Lau gratings
• Hartmann-based multi-contrast spatial harmonic imaging with 250 ms time resolution

Limitations/constraints

• Maximum sample size ~30 mm Ø
• Only non-ferro-magnetic materials in the magnet (if only XRI is needed, magnetic or large samples are possible)