A novel 3D elemental and morphological analysis approach is presented combining X-ray computed tomography (μCT), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) tomography, and confocal XRF analysis in a single laboratory instrument (Herakles). Each end station of Herakles (μCT, XRF-CT, and confocal XRF) represents the state-of-the-art of currently available laboratory techniques. The integration of these techniques enables linking the (quantitative) spatial distribution of chemical elements within the investigated materials to their three-dimensional (3D) internal morphology/structure down to 1–10 μm resolution level, which has not been achieved so-far using laboratory X-ray techniques. The concept of Herakles relies strongly on its high precision (around 100 nm) air-bearing motor system that connects the different end-stations, allowing combined measurements based on the above X-ray techniques while retaining the coordinate system. In-house developed control and analysis software further ensures a smooth integration of the techniques. Case studies on a Cu test pattern, a Daphnia magna model organism and a perlite biocatalyst support material demonstrate the attainable resolution, elemental sensitivity of the instrument, and the strength of combining these three complementary methodologies.

中文翻译：

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结合X射线显微断层扫描和X射线荧光方法学的集成三维微观分析

提出了一种新颖的3D元素和形态分析方法，该方法将X射线计算机断层扫描（μCT），X射线荧光（XRF）断层扫描和共聚焦XRF分析结合在一个实验室仪器中（Herakles）。Herakles的每个终端站（μCT，XRF-CT和共聚焦XRF）代表了当前可用的实验室技术的最新水平。这些技术的集成使所研究材料中化学元素的（定量）空间分布与分辨率低至1–10μm的三维（3D）内部形态/结构相关联，到目前为止，这尚未通过使用实验室X射线技术。Herakles的概念在很大程度上依赖于其高精度的（约100 nm）空气轴承电机系统，该系统连接不同的终端站，可以在保持坐标系的同时，根据上述X射线技术进行组合测量。内部开发的控制和分析软件进一步确保了技术的平稳集成。铜测试图案的案例研究大型蚤（Daphnia magna）模型生物和珍珠岩生物催化剂载体材料证明了该仪器可实现的分离度，元素敏感性以及结合这三种互补方法的优势。