Mars Microlab
(MARS Bioimaging, Christchurch, NZ) is a spectral computed tomography
(CT) system designed for imaging small animals and samples. The spectral
CT technology uses photon-counting detectors (Medipix3), which detect
X-ray photons and discriminate their energy. The acquired energy
information enables the generation of a K-edge characteristic and
subsequent determination of the concentration of calibrated elements.
The system provides 3D images in individual energy bins and volumetric
material maps of calibrated samples.
Basic technical parameters:
Fully shielded system with helical scanning for rapid data acquisition.
Sensor size: 14.1 × 14.1 mm
Energy spectral range: 25–118 keV (total range 7–118 keV)
Current range: 61–300 µA
Image resolution: 90, 150, 250 and 500 µm
Calibrated materials: Iodine, Gadolinium, Fat, Water, Hydroxyapatite (calcium)
Possibility of calibration for additional elements (depending on the
K-edge absorption of X-rays by the given element)
