ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

Applying neutron tomography to exceptionally preserved fossils with poor X-ray contrast

Abstract: Over the last three decades, methods for visualizing fossils digitally and in 3D have revolutionized the study of past life. X-ray CT scanning, in particular, is widely used, revealing previously unimagined levels of detail in fossils. However, fossil specimens with a similar chemical composition to the surrounding rock have not benefitted from this step-change, and important aspects of their internal anatomy remain poorly known. This project will use neutron tomography (NT) to image unique, exceptionally preserved animal fossils that have proven unsuitable for study with CT scanning. The primary aim is to characterize the internal anatomy of these important specimens, shedding light on their biology and evolution. The results will also allow us to compare NT and CT scanning for the same specimens, establishing the utility of neutron tomography for imaging exceptional fossil material.

Principal Investigator: Dr Imran Rahman
Experimenter: Dr Russell Garwood
Experimenter: Dr Genoveva Burca
Experimenter: Dr Alan Spencer

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1810821

ISIS Experiment Number: RB1810821

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Dr Imran Rahman et al; (2018): Applying neutron tomography to exceptionally preserved fossils with poor X-ray contrast, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1810821