Interested in generating 3D models? Need access to a MicroCT?

Our foraminifera shells were scanned using the MicroCT scanner at the Oregon State University's College of Engineering. Learn more about OSU's MicroCT Facility, including fees and capabilities on their website.

Common questions
What is the resolution of the 3D foram images:
  • The resolution of our 3D microCT scans vary from 0.7 microns to 2.2 microns. It is possible to get even finer resolution. However, the samples must be very close to the detector and this reduces the number of specimens that can be scanned in a single setting (and also, then, increases the cost per specimen scanned). Instead, we forgo a bit of resolution in order to scan many specimens during a single data collection session.

How many foraminifera can be scanned in a single session:
  • It depends on the size of your shells, the resolution you'd like, and the sample peg you are using to mount your sample. We use a simple flat-topped acrylic peg. We place a piece of aluminum-backed carbon tape over the top of the peg and adhere the shells to the tape. With this method, we have scanned up to 83 (yes 83!) shells in a single scan with a resolution of ~2.2 microns. The scan took approximately 5.5 hours. We then use post image processing techniques to separate the group into single specimens. We use Fiji (aka., imageJ) to process the 3D images (initial reconstruction is done by the MicroCT lab).

How do you process the data: