Zeiss VersaXRM 730

Daniel Kim/© AMNH

The Zeiss VersaXRM 730 X-ray microscope (XRM) is the newest addition to the MIF. The Zeiss Versa family breaks resolution performance barriers, delivers an intuitive user experience, and accelerates productivity for all with easy, guided workflows and higher throughout.

Usage and User Responsibilities

Scan Data

The MIF currently provides storage space to users for a limited time. The lab is only guaranteed to hold on to scan data for a 7-day period. Within this 7-day period, users are required to retrieve their data before it is transferred to the DTN. In many instances, this can be done on the same day that the user scans specimens. However, in other instances the user is required to schedule a "data reconstruction and retrieval" day in which they process and transfer data on to their or their departments storage device(s).

Technical Overview and Description

Zeiss VersaXRM 730 System Overview

X-ray Source: The Versa features one closed x-ray tube that produces high resolution scans at any energy level. Its full energy range is from 30 kV to 160 kV with a power range of 1W - 25W. It is a closed x-ray tube, meaning that it has a longer lifespan and minimal maintenance. The source includes an automatic filter changer that contains filters for both low and high energy scanning.

Objective lenses and Detectors: This instrument has two different types of detectors: a flat panel and objective lenses. The objective lenses include: .4x, 4x, 20x, and 40x-P. The detectors can be switched automatically within the navigating software. The detectors allow for up to 450nm resolution with the 40x-P lens. The flat panel captures x-rays at a height of 3000 pixels and 4500 pixel width while the objective lens captures at 3000 pixels by 3000 pixels.

Software

Sample Images: ZeissXRM 730

3D xray of femur with text and numbers indicate size, range min and max, and degrees of yaw, pitch, and roll.

Kulik_virtual_bone_histology_femur_ROI.jpg: Bone microstructure of the femur from an extinct reptile relative, revealing a complex vascular and cellular network. Large, ring-shaped spaces ('lifesavers') represent blood vessels, while smaller black and white flecks mark the locations of individual bone cells.
© Zoe Kulik

3D scan of maxilla toothrow with text and numbers that indicate size, range min and max, and degrees of yaw, pitch, and roll.

Kulik_maxilla_toothrow.PNG: Fossilized teeth and developing replacement teeth in the jaw of an early mammal relative that lived around 243 million years ago, alongside some of the first dinosaurs.
© Zoe Kulik

Captorhinus_femur_2.PNG: Longitudinal cross section of a fossilized femur from Captorhinus that lived approximately 288 million years ago.
© Zoe Kulik

Lateral view of the complete skeleton of a Grasseichthys fish with images of closer views of the tail, and a section of vertebrae.

Diminutive Grasseichthys n.sp. (Gonorynchiformes: Kneriidae) from the Congo basin, with details of anatomy highlighted.
© Melanie Stiassny

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Zeiss VersaXRM 730