About the Center for Quantitative Imaging
The Center for Quantitative Imaging provides advanced X-ray computed tomography and image analysis services to support research across engineering, agriculture, energy, environmental science, medicine and industry.
Researchers work with the center to visualize internal structures, quantify material properties and solve complex imaging challenges without destroying the sample.
Core Capabilities
X-ray computed tomography
High-resolution, non-destructive imaging that reveals internal structures without sectioning or destroying samples.
- Internal structure visualization
- 2D and 3D imaging
- Non-destructive evaluation
Quantitative image analysis
Image-based measurements and visualizations that help researchers quantify structure, defects and material properties.
- Segmentation and measurement
- Porosity and defect analysis
- Volume and dimensional data
Research collaboration
Staff expertise that helps connect research questions to the right imaging approach, workflow and deliverables.
- Project planning
- Method development
- Data interpretation support
Applications
The center supports research and partner needs where internal structure, material properties, defects or 3D visualization matter.
Materials and manufacturing
Imaging support for components, composites, assemblies, polymers and engineered materials.
Food & Packaging
CQI helps companies evaluate product integrity and optimize packaging performance without compromising samples.
Coatings, Paints & Chemical Products
Non-destructive imaging reveals how coatings and chemical products interact with substrates—something conventional methods can’t see.
Electronics & Consumer Goods
Our imaging systems reveal complex internal assemblies with micron-level clarity to help ensure reliability and safety.
Construction & Building Materials
3D imaging helps companies understand durability, structural performance, and long-term material behavior.
Healthcare
CQI supports healthcare, biomedical, and life science partners by providing non-destructive, high‑resolution imaging and quantitative analysis of medical devices, biological materials, and healthcare-related products.
Work with the laboratory
Early conversations help determine the appropriate imaging approach, sample preparation requirements and project scope.
Discuss your project
Connect with staff to review project goals, sample details and imaging needs.
Plan the imaging approach
Review sample size, resolution needs, scan strategy, reconstruction and analysis expectations.
Receive imaging data
Coordinate scanning, reconstructed datasets, visualizations and quantitative measurements.
What Partners are Saying
Penn State's Center for Quantitative Imaging met our needs wonderfully despite the intricacies of federal contracting. I was very happy with their responsiveness, willingness to work to find a solution, and flexibility. The quality of service was absolutely top notch, the staff were both knowledgeable and accessible, and the final product exceeded my expectations.
Research Zoologist, Smithsonian Institution
Penn State’s Center for Quantitative Imaging was pivotal to our corrosion studies on power-plant metal. Their state-of-the-art equipment, clear data analysis, and professional, timely, and knowledgeable staff enabled us to generate high-quality results efficiently.
Assistant Professor, John and Willie Leone Department of Energy & Mineral Engineering (EME)
