Blog – X-ray & CT Insights

Glass is attracting increasing attention as a substrate material for advanced semiconductor packaging. Its dimensional stability and electrical properties make it an interesting basis for large-area panels and high-density interconnect structures. But when electrical connections are routed through the glass using through-glass vias (TGVs), a new inspection challenge emerges: many of the relevant defects are no longer visible from the surface. At Photomask Japan 2026, we presented our first imaging examples for glass substrates and TGV structures. The results show how X-ray imaging can provide non-destructive access to defects in etched glass vias and metallized TGVs — and why tilted radiography, computed laminography, detector performance, and AI-assisted analysis all matter.

Earlier this year, we had the chance to collaborate with the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized Medical Technology and Engineering IMTE (Fraunhofer IMTE) and the Leibniz Centre for Archaeology (LEIZA) on a unique find within an Aurochs skull unearthed at the oldest known grave in northern Germany – The Duvenseer Moor in Schleswig Holstein.

During a recent three-week student internship at Comet Yxlon, I had the chance to mentor a 9th-grader who was curious, motivated—and (for good reasons) not allowed to operate X-ray equipment independently. So we designed a project that would still feel real: hands-on data, real analysis, and a clear outcome. The goal was to let her work independently in software while learning the basics of X-ray imaging and computed tomography.

The Comet Yxlon FF35 CT and FF85 CT are well known for their dual-tube design, flexibility, and precision. These advanced systems are used across a broad range of applications—from semiconductor packaging and additive manufacturing to automotive components and materials research—where capturing internal details with speed and accuracy is critical. Now, these systems have reached an exciting new milestone. The 225 kV microfocus directional beam tube, available in both systems, has been upgraded with a new High-Density Power (HDP) Target—delivering a twofold increase in power density while maintaining the same form factor and water-cooled focal-spot stability. The result: faster inspections, finer image detail, and longer-lasting performance.

Electronics manufacturing companies face the challenge of precise porosity evaluation inside their products. Peter Koch and Jeff Urbanski show new analysis methods working together for more accurate void measurement at critical interfaces.

With the Comet Yxlon FF35 CT inspection system and advanced Vista features, you just choose the resolution you need - quick and simple. You obtain prime scan results by saving prescious time. See how it works.

View three simple (and fast!) methods for evaluating porosity via CT with Dragonfly. Each method can be automated using macros, with a downloadable application note detailing the method and analysis time required.

A sedimentary slab from the Holstein Rock was to be examined for its fossil content using computed tomography. Latest CT technology provided results no one had expected.

Have you ever pondered the wondrous journey of life, from conception to birth? At Comet Yxlon, we are proud to support the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin in their quest to answer this profound question through the innovative application of CT technology.

By chance, we recently encountered a phenomenon together with a customer that we had not paid attention to before. An apparently resolved X-ray image turned out to be a fake. A simulation model proved the mystery.

The CT scan of a tiger skull for natural science revealed the power of our HeliExtend Dual trajectory. Read our story and find the difference.

The Dragonfly Deep-Learning, super-resolution model takes the input of poor resolution scans to create superior image quality results – almost like the high-resolution images but without the need to scan at high resolution! Learn about this significant advantage!

Everyone has heard of ChatGPT and OpenAI, and many of the amazing AI tools now hitting the market. But have you tried Artificial Intelligence for the evaluation of CT data? You didn’t know you can use AI for image analysis? Read on.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) have become an indispensable part of modern life. The intensive testing of batteries is not only important for ensuring their quality and function but even more for safety aspects. CT can show you all details.

High-resolution CT of a 3D-printed plastic impeller by the Comet Yxlon FF35 CT Metrology system provides clear insights into the inner structures and accurate results. What about the capabilities of the UX20 system with the new MesoFocus tube?

In this last blog, I like to show some results of a 3D printed part made of copper. Without being an expert in such manufacturing and testing applications, I can see how the quality check reveals more relevant information by higher resolution.

In this post we focus on the focal spot and bring high resolution to the details. High resolution in CT gets achieved by a very small focal spot, a higher magnification, and a well-aligned system with a very accurate rotation axis. Coming back to the question of the right kV-class.

In Spring of 2021, the long-awaited 450 kV MesoFocus tube came to Yxlon. We would like to give you first insights into the very convincing laboratory results and show you an idea of future possibilities with closed 450 kV sources.

The early determination of the quality of a motor using CT before further processing would save time, resources, material, and costs, an economic factor that should not be underestimated within the steadily increasing demand for electromobility.

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. One of the most used AM methods for ceramics is Direct Ink Writing (DIW). Read about the challenges!

When we look for the optimal flat-panel detector, it’s not all about the highest possible resolution. Christian Jeuschede explains why we still stick to 139 µm respectively 150 µm pixel pitch instead of 100 µm and what to have in mind when chosing the best fit.

Kathy Scott, Service Sales Director at Yxlon/Comet Technologies USA knows that service matters. With her long experience, she knows service should rate nearly as high in the decision to purchase an inspection system as the system itself.

One might think a measurement using the same calibrated tool would have the same accuracy regardless of the object being measured. But metrology is more than that, as the whitepaper “Uncertainty of measurement” will show.

Microlaunchers are an alternative to conventional launch vehicles. They are designed to launch small satellites into space. Fraunhofer IWS and the TU in Dresden developed an additively manufactured rocket engine.

The gold standard for 3D measurement equipment is the DIN EN ISO 10360 Geometrical Product Specification (GPS). It is designed to help compare different equipment and create a clear understanding of when a system is within the specification and when

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) have become an indispensable part of modern life. The intensive testing of rechargeable batteries is not only important for ensuring their quality and function but even more for safety aspects.

One might think a measurement using the same calibrated tool would have the same accuracy regardless of the object being measured. But metrology is more than that, as the whitepaper “Uncertainty of measurement” will show.

The Institute for Plastics Technology in Stuttgart (IKT) shows several examples to demonstrate how computed tomography supports the development of new materials and additive manufacturing processes.

There is a range of terminology for CT system accuracy and uncertainty that should be understood when evaluating 3D scanning systems, this blog post illustrates terms, such as Precision and Accuracy, Tolerance, Uncertainty of Measurement.

Evolution still raises many questions for science. Prof. Dr. John Nyakatura and his young team of junior scientists are focusing on the functional morphology of vertebrates and trying to track down the evolution of early primates.

Electromobility brings with it new challenges. New components require new test methods to ensure functionality and safety. In a joint project, the Fraunhofer IFAM and Yxlon have succeeded for the first time looking into the inside of cast rotors.

TEI is a global leader in design, engineering and manufacturing for prototype, pre-production and mass production equipment for the casting industry. They invested in new, advanced technologies including 3D printing, CT and X-ray inspection.

In an extensive development project from the automotive industry, it once again became clear that x-ray computed tomography supports in research & development as well as in the elaboration of production processes and helps to save time and money.

X-ray inspection for electronics has been around for decades, but that does not mean it has stayed the same. As the design and manufacturing for electronics shifts to smaller and more compact and dense products, X-ray technology has shifted as well.

The Impact of Industrial Computerized Tomography on the Castings Industry

The growth of the orthopedics market poses a huge opportunity for Industrial Computed Tomography (CT) as a quality inspection tool for this highly regulated industry, where quality ...

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the most revolutionary processes to come along in many years, making a dramatic impact on the industrial market.

Additive manufacturing processes have been incorporated into many industries in recent years and play a major role especially in the aviation and automotive industries.

Starting out mainly as a prototyping technology Additive Manufacturing (AM) gained tremendous momentum for use in industrial applications over the last 5 years. For highly demanding functional parts, laser beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) became ...

The Zoological Museum in the Center for Natural History at the University of Hamburg is currently running a special exhibition about the tragic phenomenon of disappearing species in the animal kingdom.

At the end of July, YXLON International, a company of the Swiss tech holding COMET Group, lent one of their state-of-the-art computed tomography systems to the California Academy of Sciences to experience the benefits of CT in biological research.

An insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is a three-terminal power semiconductor device primarily used as an electronic switch developed to combine high efficiency and fast switching.

Abigail Curtis, a postdoctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, demonstrates how computed tomography reveals unexpected scientific insights into bat physiology.

In a recent CT Science Days event, Dr. Edward Stanley, PhD of herpetology, of the California Academy of Sciences, discussed how researchers are using computed tomography to study reptiles and amphibians and strengthen their collaboration.