Synchrotron SOLEIL / ANATOMIX (NanoimagesX)

The ANATOMIX ("Advanced Nanotomography and Imaging with coherent X rays") light line at the SOLEIL Synchrotron provides X-rays in the energy range between 5 and 50 keV. It is dedicated to full field X-ray and tomography, in absorption and phase contrast, and at pixel sizes ranging from 20 nm to 20 µm.

ANATOMIX allows its users to obtain two- and three-dimensional radiographic images of macroscopic samples, up to several centimetres thick. For smaller samples, the spatial resolution reaches 50 nm (corresponding to a pixel size of 20 nm). Real-time studies are possible, with data acquisition rates currently up to one tomographic scan per second. Higher acquisition speeds are under development, so we have already been able to perform acquisition runs at 20 volumes per second (50 ms per scan).

An environment designed to be as flexible as possible allows in situ and/or in operando studies, in conditions close to the natural or technical environments of the samples (in terms of temperature, humidity, mechanical load, fluidics). Biological samples can be measured in a hydrated state. With proper sample preparation, cell imaging without cryogenic environment is possible.

The construction of the ANATOMIX line was financed by the French government through the EQUIPEX project "NanoimagesX" within the framework of the "Investissements d'Avenir" of the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR).

• Mr Timm WEITKAMP
• Mr Jonathan PERRIN
• Mr Mario SCHEEL