Microscope shows changes over time

A 3D microscope that shows changes in materials over time is giving a unique insight into microscopic internal structure and chemical composition. The device could lead to advances in a range of areas, such as healthcare, the development of better construction materials, improved oil extraction methods and even the study of fossils.

The X-ray microscope uses 'time delay integration', which enables it to generate better images of larger objects than other devices, meaning microscopic structure can be studied with greater accuracy.

With EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) funding, a multi-disciplinary team drawn from six UK universities has been developing and using the microscope, which is similar to the CT scanners used in healthcare but can view things in much greater detail.

X-ray microscopes can produce 3D internal pictures of an object by taking a large number of 2D images from different angles in a process known as X-ray microtomography. However, the new microscope is the first to combine this technique with time delay. It averages out imperfections in the image across all pixels enabling the microscope to produce clearer and bigger pictures than previously possible.