New, Unique Instrument Strengthens Materials Research at Luleå University of Technology

A new, advanced instrument for three-dimensional imaging and analysis of materials has been inaugurated at Luleå University of Technology. The instrument, a “TESCAN UniTOM XL Spectral” dynamic spectral X-ray tomograph (XCT), is the only one of its kind in Sweden and makes it possible to both study the internal structure of materials and monitor how they change during ongoing processes.

The XCT instrument is located at the LUMIA (Luleå Material Imaging and Analysis) research infrastructure and has been funded through WISE (Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability). WISE is the largest initiative in materials science ever undertaken in Sweden, with approximately half a billion kronor allocated to chemical analysis, electron microscopy, materials fabrication, powder production, and non-destructive testing.

Research for the Benefit of All

An important part of the initiative is that the infrastructure should benefit more than just the research groups at the respective universities.

“Our philosophy is that the equipment should be available to the entire materials science community in Sweden—academia, research institutes, and industry. The research should benefit society as a whole,” says Bo Liedberg, professor and research coordinator for WISE.

At Luleå University of Technology, the new instrument will become part of LUMIA, which brings together advanced laboratories and expertise in materials analysis.

“We’re working strategically to connect our laboratories and the expertise they hold. The more researchers we bring into the labs, the more research we can get out of the infrastructure—and thus the greater the benefit to society,” says Glenn Bark, executive director of LUMIA.

LUMIA also contributes expertise in areas such as sample preparation, analysis, and the development of research projects.

Can track changes as they happen

The TESCAN UniTOM XL Spectral uses X-ray tomography to create three-dimensional images of the interior of materials without destroying the samples.

The instrument combines dynamic, spectral, and high-energy XCT. Dynamic imaging makes it possible to perform X-ray scans in under five seconds, thereby tracking rapid changes in a material as they occur.

“We can expose materials to, for example, gases or high temperatures and simultaneously track how the material changes over time. This is a very versatile instrument that makes it possible to study processes as they are actually taking place,” says Fredrik Forsberg, associate professor of experimental mechanics at Luleå University of Technology.

Collaboration with LKAB

At the same time, the spectral technology makes it possible to analyze the composition of materials in three dimensions, while the high X-ray energy allows even larger and more opaque samples to be examined. One area where the technology can be used is in research conducted in collaboration with LKAB.

“Among other things, we’re working with LKAB to examine pellet beds and study the processes that occur when they are dried and reduced. With this type of equipment, we can track what’s happening inside the material during the process itself,” says Fredrik Forsberg.

The instrument can handle everything from small samples that require high detail to significantly larger objects. The system is about 3.5 meters long, weighs approximately seven metric tons, and can handle samples up to one meter in height.

The new instrument complements the high-resolution X-ray tomography already available at LUMIA and will build on the existing collaboration between LUMIA and MAX IV.

“This equipment provides us with additional opportunities for advanced correlative imaging and strengthens our position as a gateway to MAX IV and similar facilities,” says Fredrik Forsberg. “Here, researchers can conduct preparatory studies using our equipment and familiarize themselves with their materials and the various processes, which typically improves their chances of securing beamtime and better prepares them for measurements at the facility in question.”