How much will my scan cost?
Scanning service is FREE for all users, due to the support of the National Science Foundation and NYIT.
How can I sign up for time?
First, you need to submit a scan request form to viscenter@nyit.edu. Once approved, please contact viscenter@nyit.edu to schedule time. Please note that if you are approved for multiple scan days, you may only schedule one at a time. At the conclusion of the scan day, you may schedule the next one.
Can only NYIT researchers request scan time?
The scanner is open to any internal or external researcher or educator (including students, faculty, and staff). Affiliation with an educational institution (e.g. universities, high schools, middle schools, etc.) is required. Industry use is not available at this time.
What is the maximum object size?
140mm in diameter and 200mm in length (up to 180mm scanning length).
How long will my scan take?
Scanning time varies greatly and can range from as little as a few minutes to more than 24 hours. The duration is dependent upon the size of the specimen, the desired resolution, and other scanning parameters (e.g., exposure, degree of rotation, frame averaging, etc.) The higher the quality of the scan, the longer it takes to finish. Our technician will contact you and you may request an estimate of scanning time for your sample.
What is the resolution of the scanner?
The resolution of the scan is dependent upon how close the specimen is to the X-ray source and what binning mode is utilized (e.g., 2k, 1k, .5k). In general, our system is capable of scanning objects between 5 and 143 microns.
How do I prepare my sample(s)?
You may bring your sample(s) with you to the Visualization Center and the technician will prepare them for scanning. Alternatively, you may prepare your own sample(s) prior to arrival. If you choose the latter option, contact us beforehand so we may advise you on how to optimize scan time and maximize scan quality.
Generally, we suggest packing your specimen in low density material such as cotton, styrofoam, or bubble wrap. The specimen should also be snug within the container to prevent movement during scanning. Multiple specimens can be packed together (vertically - NOT horizontally). For more information, check here or contact us at viscenter@nyit.edu.
What format will the data be in?
We generally store images as 16-bit TIFF stacks. We can also export data as 8-bit jpg, bmp, png, or dcm.
How do I get my data?
An account will be created for you on our Viscenter Data Storage System. Once your scan has finished and been reconstructed, the data will be uploaded to your password protected account which you can access anywhere with an internet connection. It will be available for download from the account for 30 days.
Can I mail you specimens for scanning?
You may mail your specimens to an internal contact or bring them in person to the facility.
Is there anything you won't scan?
We will not scan any object that is too large or too heavy for the scanner, live animals, or specimens that are too fragile or hazardous.
How long does it take to review scan request forms?
We will generally try to inform you within a week. We do not evaluate the merit of the research, but we do check for compliance with our guidelines and the time it will take to scan the specimen(s).
Can I resubmit a scan request form if it is rejected?
If your scan request is rejected, we will inform you of the reason and if possible, give advice on how to change the request to make it compatible with our guidelines.
I have had specimens scanned before. Do I need to submit a new application if I want to have more scans done?
Yes. If all scanning has been completed for your project but you are interested in scanning more specimens for that same project, you will need to submit an amended form. If you are interested in starting a new project (with new specimens, parameters, collaborators, etc.), you will need to submit a new scan request form.
My sample size changed, do I have to submit a new application?
If your sample size changed within reason or there are other small changes, then you only need to submit an amended scan request form that lists the minor changes to the project. Note: you may only submit one amended form before you will need to submit a brand new scan request form (even if your project has not changed) so do your best to estimate the number of specimens you will need to scan for your project!
If my data is used in a presentation or publication, do I acknowledge personnel? Should I also mention NSF?
As part of both our internal and external user agreements, we require our users to: acknowledge the Visualization Center, all personnel who provided assistance, and NSF. The microCT in the Visualization Center was funded by an NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant (NSF 1828305). The grant number should be included in the acknowledgment. We also have an RRID which can be cited when publishing: New York Institute of Technology NYIT Visualization Center Core Facility (RRID:SCR_024652).
May I bring a student or colleague along to my scanning session?
Guests are more than welcome; however, any individual you wish to bring must be listed as a collaborator on your scan request form and no more than two guests per user, per session.
What do I do if I am interested in training on the microCT scanner?
We train interested internal users with a demonstrated need for training (e.g. high sample number). Inexperienced users are required to shadow before training. Please see forms for an application.