A volumetric reconstruction of a honeybee head produced by x-ray microtomography shows 3 × 3-mm volume imaged at 20 × 20-µm resolution. The image was acquired using 8-keV monochromatic x-rays produced at the Synchrotron Radiation Source (Central Laboratories of the Research Councils [CLRC], Daresbury Laboratory, England). Because tomographic images are generated by computer after initial image capture at varying angles, image sections can be produced. The transverse section shown here reveals compound eye structures, the brain stem, and even the optic nerve running from the eye to the brain.
Performed in collaboration with Barry Dodson of the CLRC Daresbury, the work was reported at the International Conference on Scientific Optical Imaging (Georgetown, Grand Cayman) by Nigel Allinson of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (Manchester, England).
Kristin Lewotsky | Associate Editor (1994-1997)
Kristin Lewotsky was an associate editor for Laser Focus World from December 1994 through November 1997.