Neutron micro-CT as a non-destructive tool for palaeontology
Loading...
Date
2016-11-29
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Abstract
The physical extraction of fossilised remains from rocks enables quantitative physiological investigation of bone-dimensions, volume, and porosity, however leads to the destruction of valuable contextual information and soft-tissue remains within the matrix. Conventional and synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography (XCT) have been utilised for many years as critical tools in uncovering valuable 3-D internal and surface renderings of scientifically important fossils, however poor contrast and X-ray penetration often prevents thorough tomographic analysis.
DINGO, Australia’s first and only neutron micro-computed tomography (nCT) instrument is located at the OPAL nuclear research reactor. It is being used to obtain unpreceded reconstructions of extraordinary fossilised anatomical features not visible with conventional imaging techniques. This presentation will outline the physical capabilities of DINGO, the limitations and results to-date in the field of palaeontology. Drawing upon specimens
scanned from across Australia, Antarctica, New Zealand, China and Mongolia, this presentation will demonstrate the complementarity of nCT to classic XCT methods, and its limitations. Evidence of extraordinary soft-tissue fossilisation in Jurassic fauna will be shown, along with insights into ancient and modern-day animals, achieved through the use of neutron CT scanning.
Description
Keywords
Fossils, Rocks, Physiology, Tomography, Computerized tomography, ANSTO, OPAL Reactor, Jurassic period
Citation
Bevitt, J. (2016). Neutron micro-CT as a non-destructive tool for palaeontology. Paper presented at 13th AINSE-ANBUG Neutron Scattering Symposium, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 29-30 November 2016.