For the first time, scientists have succeeded in imaging the structure of wood three-dimensionally (3D) at the smallest level using a new X-ray technique. Research groups from Hamburg, Göttingen and Erlangen used near-field nano-holotomography for this purpose. This measurement method is provided by the Helmholtz Centre Geesthacht at the PETRA III X-ray source (DESY). In the experiments, the cell wall of the wood as well as a "transport passage" - the pit - could be measured and examined three-dimensionally at high nanometric resolution. The present results enable new insights into the wood structure and thus demonstrate possibilities for studies, such as the investigation of water transport in wood, where such an unattained 3D detail detectability is crucial. In this regard, this technique may contribute to improve our understanding of the influence of climate change on the growth conditions of plants.
Contact: Dr. Martin Nopens
More information: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-83885-8
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