News Article
Zeiss acquires X-ray microscopy expert Xradia
Xradia's non destructive X-ray microscopy solutions close the gap between light and electron microscopy
Zeiss, a specialist in optics and optoelectronics has announced that the acquisition of U.S.- based Xradia, Inc. has been completed.
The closing took place on July 12th, 2013 after all formal conditions, as set in the acquisition agreement, were fulfilled.
Xradia, Inc. is now operating under the new name of Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Inc.
This acquisition strengthens the position of the Zeiss Microscopy business group, a manufacturer of light, electron and X-ray microscopes, with solutions for research and routine inspection in materials and life sciences application fields.
X-ray microscopes show unique capabilities in materials research, allowing for 3D imaging of the internal structure of materials. Spatial resolution down to 50 nanometres can be achieved on a lab-based system.
The non-destructive nature of X-ray imaging enables the observation and quantification of microstructural evolution in the same region of a single sample over time, or under changing environmental conditions.
Several examples of in situ and 4D (three-dimensional imaging over time) experiments are proving beneficial for research and industry. Just some of these include crack propagation in ceramics and metals, failure analysis of structural materials and the evolution of defects in operating lithium ion batteries and fuel cells.
X-ray microscopes close the resolution gap between light and electron microscopy and offer scientists multiple new imaging modalities to complement their research.
The optical design allows the Zeiss Xradia Ultra and Versa series to cover a large resolution range, enabling the user to easily find the region of interest by zooming into larger samples (Scout-and-Zoom).
Zeiss is working towards integrated workflow solutions for life sciences and materials research.
In materials science, this is typically achieved by using X-ray microscopes to perform non-destructive 4D microstructural evolution experiments prior to destructive sectioning and then using electron microscope techniques for additional resolution and contrast. In life sciences,
X-ray microscopes are being used to provide a navigational map of the subsurface after tissue samples have been stained for electron microscope investigation. By incorporating 3D X-ray microscopes into this workflow, the emerging 3D electron microscope techniques are expected to gain a significant boost in efficiency.
