In radiography, X-ray microtomography utilizes X-rays to create cross-sectional images of physical objects, which can then be reconstructed into virtual 3D models without damaging the original object. It shares similarities with tomography and X-ray computed tomography. The prefix micro- (symbol: μ) denotes that the pixel sizes of the cross-sections are within the micrometer range. These small pixel sizes have led to synonymous terms such as high-resolution X-ray tomography, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT or μCT), and related expressions. While high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and micro-CT are sometimes differentiated, the term high-resolution micro-CT is also commonly used. Virtually all tomography performed today is computed tomography.
Micro-CT is employed in both medical imaging and industrial computed tomography. Generally, there are two main types of scanner setups:
Rotating Sample Setup: In this configuration, the X-ray source and detector remain stationary during the scan while the sample or subject rotates.
Rotating Gantry Setup: Similar to a clinical CT scanner, the X-ray tube and detector rotate around a stationary animal or specimen.
These scanners are extensively used for small animals (in vivo imaging), biomedical samples, food studies, microfossil analysis, and other applications requiring highly detailed imagery.