Scripps MSCL-XCT Installation

Peter and John installed the first dedicated X-ray core imaging system (MSCL-XCT) at the core repository at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The collections managers, Alex Hangsterfer and Warren Smith, familiarised themselves with the operation and capability of the new machine over a 2-day period after the first day was spent figuring out how and where to install the rather heavy lead-lined cabinets.

Whole cores, up to 15 cm in diameter and 1.5 m long, can be imaged in the new machine providing both 2D images of the length of the core at any orientation with 100 µm resolution, as well as 3D visualization by producing X-ray video images of the core during rotation. Whole 12 cm diameter cores containing ice rafted debris were used as test cores which provided stunning static and rotating images of the coarse grained material and drop stone episodes inside the core.

After the initial demonstration the curator, Dick Norris, said there would be an endless stream of material to be imaged and in fact he may have difficulty preventing his biologist friends from demanding continual access to the facility!

Examples of how the machine can be used in the future with a software upgrade to provide full CT reconstructions were provided and Geotek promised to let them know as soon as this is available (which should be within the next 2-3 months).