Synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) is a
non-destructive technique for the investigation and visualization of the
internal features of solid opaque objects, which allows reconstruction of a
complete three-dimensional image of internal structures by recording of the
differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy reacting with
those structures. Contrary to X-rays, produced in a conventional X-ray tube,
the intense synchrotron light beams are sharply focused like a laser beam. We
report encouraging results from the use of SRXTM for purely taxonomic
purposes in brachiopods: an attempt to find a non-destructive and more
efficient alternative to serial sectioning and several other methods of
dissection together with the non-destructive method of X-ray computerised
micro-tomography. Two brachiopod samples were investigated using SRXTM. In
?Rhynchonella? flustracea it was possible to visualise the 3D shape of the
crura and dental plates. In Terebratulina imbricata it was possible to reveal
the form of the brachidium. It is encouraging that we have obtained such
promising results using SRXTM with our very first two fortuitous samples,
which had respectively fine-grained limestone and marl as infilling sediment,
in contrast to the discouraging results communicated to us by some colleagues
who have tested specimens with such infillings using X-ray micro-tomography.
In future the holotypes, rare museum specimens or delicate Recent material
may be preferentially subjected to this mode of analysis.
Non-destructive analysis of in situ ammonoid jaws by synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-computed tomography