How to Engage with the Laboratory
The Center for Quantitative Imaging works with Penn State researchers and external partners from industry, government and other universities. Early conversations help match project goals with the right imaging approach, sample requirements, budget and timeline.
Use this page to understand the process, access resource links and connect with staff before submitting samples or building imaging support into a proposal.
Start a Project
Discuss your project
Connect with staff to discuss project goals, sample type, imaging requirements, timelines and expected outcomes.
Plan the imaging approach
Staff assess feasibility, recommend a scanner and resolution, and identify preparation or mounting needs.
Submit and review
Provide prepared samples and the submission request. Review the initial scan before the full project proceeds.
Receive data and support
Receive reconstructed datasets, requested visualizations, and guidance on accessing or working with results.
Preparing Your Samples
Sample composition, geometry, orientation, and stability can all affect image quality. Planning these details before submission helps reduce mounting time, avoid preventable scanning issues, and keep the region of interest within the field of view.
- Keep dense materials and the longest X-ray path as small as practical.
- Plan for the sample to rotate vertically without contacting the X-ray source.
- Mount samples securely so they cannot shift during scanning.
- Keep the desired region of interest within the anticipated field of view.
- Use a physical notch or indentation when orientation must be identifiable.
Sample composition
Dense materials require greater X-ray power. Smaller dimensions and shorter penetration paths can improve feasibility and image quality.
Mounting and stability
Use appropriate foam, tape, putty, adhesive, or a custom holder to prevent movement throughout the scan.
Orientation
Position the sample to minimize the X-ray path, avoid collisions, and keep the feature of interest visible during rotation.
Choosing the Right Resolution
A CT dataset is made of voxels, the three-dimensional equivalent of pixels. Voxel size describes the scale of each volume element, but the smallest available voxel is not automatically the best choice for every project.
Resolution should be selected around the smallest feature that must be visualized or measured, while accounting for sample size, density, scanning time, and field of view. Staff can help determine a practical resolution before scanning begins.
Resolution planning guideline
To visualize or measure a feature reliably, the voxel size generally needs to be three to five times smaller than the feature of interest.
Example: If pores average 10 µm in diameter, scanning at approximately 2–3 µm provides multiple voxels across each pore.
Sample Size and its Relationship to Scanning Resolution
Sample size, field of view, and achievable resolution are directly connected. In general, imaging smaller features at higher resolution requires a smaller sample or a more focused region of interest. Material density and the X-ray power needed to penetrate the sample can further affect what is achievable.
General Electric Micro-Nano CT System
The GE system uses geometric magnification. Higher resolution is achieved by positioning the sample closer to the X-ray source, so samples with a smaller radius can generally be scanned at finer voxel sizes.
As resolution increases, the field of view becomes smaller. Sample density and the power required for penetration may also limit sharpness at the desired resolution.
Zeiss Versa 620
The Zeiss system uses optical magnification. Objective selection determines the practical relationship among sample size, field of view, and voxel size.
The table below summarizes typical operating ranges. Final settings depend on sample geometry, density, mounting, and the features being studied.
Zeiss Versa 620 objective guidance
| Objective | Maximum sample size (mm) | Maximum 3D field of view (mm) | Voxel size, bin 1 (µm) | Voxel size, bin 2 (µm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FPX | 15–140 (200*) | 140 | 6–57 | 12–115 |
| 0.4X | 6–50 (100*) | 50 (90) | 3–30 | 6–60 |
| 4X | 2–20 (50*) | 6 (10) | 0.7–3 | 0.7–6 |
| 20X | 0.5–4.0 (10*) | 1.1 | 0.3–0.6 | 0.5–1.2 |
| 40X | 0.3–2.0 (5*) | 0.5 | 0.2–0.3 | 0.3–0.6 |
*Values in parentheses reflect extended maximum conditions shown in the manufacturer guidance. The table is a planning reference, not a guarantee of performance for every sample.
Selecting the Appropriate Scanner
Scanner selection is part of project planning. Staff consider the sample and research goal together before recommending a system and scan configuration.
General Electric Micro-Nano CT System
Geometric magnification supports flexible, high-resolution imaging across a broad range of sample sizes and materials.
Zeiss Versa 620
Optical magnification supports high-resolution imaging of small features, including sub-micron-scale work under appropriate conditions.
Laboratory Resources
Use these resources to submit a project, prepare proposal materials, and retrieve completed datasets.
Project request
Sample Submission Request
Provide project goals, sample details, requested imaging, and contact information before scheduling.
Proposal support
Grant Writing Facility Description
Access facility language and contact staff for budget estimates, scope, and proposal planning.
Data delivery
Accessing Your Imaging Data
Review instructions for retrieving project files and planning for large CT datasets.
Publications, Acknowledgments, and Authorship
When imaging services contribute to a publication, presentation, or report, researchers should recognize the facility and staff members who supported the work. Substantial intellectual contributions may warrant co-authorship.
Acknowledgments
Acknowledge the Center for Quantitative Imaging and name staff members who assisted with imaging, preparation, or analysis.
Authorship considerations
Consider co-authorship when staff contribute to method development, experimental design, data interpretation, or manuscript preparation.
Collaborative planning
Discuss roles and publication expectations early when the project requires significant technical or intellectual involvement.
Publication Resources
Preparing a manuscript or presentation? Review recommended acknowledgment language, authorship considerations, and examples before publishing work that includes laboratory support.
Contact the laboratory
Connect with staff to discuss imaging feasibility, sample preparation, resolution, scanner selection, budgets, and timelines.
Center for Quantitative Imaging
416 Academic Activities Building
University Park, PA 16802
