<p><strong>Scientists from the CTLAB at CEITEC Brno University of Technology used a new industrial CT scanner to examine the Bastion ballistic helmet manufactured by the U.S.-based company Ballistic Armor Co. Without making a single cut, the scanner revealed the helmet's internal structure, including its individual protective layers, and confirmed the absence of manufacturing defects. The results demonstrate the technology's potential for quality control and the development of protective equipment for the defense industry.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4be342238c.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4be342238c.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"></p><p><strong>Computed tomography (CT)</strong> is an imaging technique widely used in medicine. Using <strong>X-rays</strong>, CT scanners produce detailed 2D cross-sectional images or 3D models of internal organs, allowing physicians to examine the inside of the human body without surgery and identify structural changes in tissues. Industrial CT scanners at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ctlab.ceitec.cz/"><i><strong>CTLAB CEITEC</strong></i></a><strong> </strong>operate on the same principle but use significantly higher X-ray energies than medical systems. This enables researchers to inspect larger and more complex objects with exceptional precision while keeping them completely intact through <strong>non-destructive testing</strong>.</p><p>The laboratory's newest scanner, the <strong>Waygate Technologies phoenix v|tome|x L450</strong>, installed only at the end of last year, is unique in the research environment. Its size and power allow it to penetrate, for example, steel objects up to <strong>7 centimeters</strong> (2.8 inches) thick while maintaining a resolution of only a few tens of micrometers.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4_bf54aa6ef1.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Anna Smith from Ballistic Armor Co. and Michaela Škaroupková from CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4_bf54aa6ef1.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"></p><p><i>"Based on its technical capabilities, we knew this system could analyze highly complex composite materials. That's why we challenged it with the Bastion ballistic helmet from Ballistic Armor Co.,"</i> explains <strong>Tomáš Zikmund from the </strong><i><strong>X-ray Computed Micro- and Nano-Tomography Laboratory</strong></i><strong> at CEITEC Brno University of Technology</strong> (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ctlab.ceitec.cz/"><i><strong>CTLAB CEITEC</strong></i></a>). The helmet is designed to provide protection against handgun ammunition.</p><p>The helmet is manufactured from Aramid fibers, better known by the trade name Kevlar. Aramid is widely used in ballistic protection and aerospace applications because of its exceptional strength, durability, and low weight. Combined with the helmet's other materials, it forms a highly complex internal structure that only the most advanced CT systems can visualize.</p><h3><strong>CT Helps Ensure Quality Without Damaging the Product</strong></h3><p>As part of the study, the Bastion helmet was exposed to X-rays for several hours. The result was <strong>a highly detailed 3D model </strong>of its internal structure, clearly revealing the individual ballistic layers as well as the soft padding materials—all without cutting the helmet apart. The analysis also detected no manufacturing defects.</p><p><i>"Results from non-destructive CT inspections like this improve our understanding of how protective equipment is built and help manufacturers maintain the highest standards of quality and safety,</i>" says Anna Smith, Director of Business Development at<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ballisticarmorco.com/"><strong>Ballistic Armor Co</strong></a>.</p><p>Non-destructive CT analysis, however, is not a substitute for standard ballistic testing, which remains essential for verifying that protective equipment meets the required ballistic resistance specified by applicable standards. Instead, the technology serves as an effective tool for routine manufacturing quality control, verification of production consistency, and regular audits of products whose ballistic performance has already been validated.</p><p>According to Tomáš Zikmund, the successful test marks another important milestone in demonstrating the capabilities of the laboratory's new CT system for defense applications. Earlier this spring, the research team showcased the scanner by examining an airsoft rifle, non-destructively verifying the correct placement of mechanical components and wiring while also inspecting the materials for pores and microcracks.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_3_9a68c9c71c.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_3_9a68c9c71c.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"></p><p>These studies demonstrate that industrial CT has an<strong> important role to play in the defense sector</strong>. In many cases, it can complement destructive quality-control methods used during manufacturing by enabling detailed inspections without disassembling or damaging the product. Modern CT technology provides deep, highly precise, and <strong>completely non-destructive</strong> inspection. It does not, however, replace conventional ballistic testing, which remains the only method capable of verifying the required level of ballistic protection.</p><p><i>"Our goal is to strengthen collaboration between science, technology development, and the defense industry,"</i> Zikmund concludes. <i>"We believe our technology can help manufacturers not only improve production quality but also gain valuable insights into the behavior of materials and the design principles behind modern protective equipment."</i></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_2_1559697260.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_2_1559697260.jpeg 104w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2400"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_5_8dab8c31ab.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Anna Smith from Ballistic Armor Co. and Michaela Škaroupková from CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_5_8dab8c31ab.jpeg 103w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2420"></p>

Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut 

<p><strong>In late February 2025, a train carrying benzene derailed in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, and within hours, a race was on to save the groundwater and surface water. One of the most toxic industrial substances began seeping into the gravel-sand subsoil. While fieldwork was underway to prevent the spread of contamination, decisions were already being made in the CXI TUL laboratories regarding how to subsequently clean up the contaminated rock environment.</strong></p><p>The accident ranks among the <strong>most serious environmental incidents in the Czech Republic in recent years</strong>. After a tanker train derailed, hundreds of<strong> metric tons of benzene leaked</strong>; due to the highly permeable geological subsoil, it quickly seeped into deeper soil layers and into the groundwater. The combination of the substance’s high toxicity and local conditions complicated both the emergency response and the subsequent remediation. The key was to stop further spread, determine the extent of the contamination, and establish a remediation strategy for the entire site.</p><p>It was at this stage that CXI TUL became involved in the solution. At the request of the renowned remediation company DEKONTA, a.s., a team led by <strong>RNDr. Jan Němeček, Ph.D.</strong>, began testing the feasibility of the<strong> in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) method</strong>. This technology is designed to<strong> break down benzene directly within the rock matrix</strong>, without the need for extensive excavation of contaminated soil or the pumping out of large volumes of groundwater. The goal was simple: to find a method that would work quickly, safely, and under the actual conditions of the affected site.</p><h4><strong>Benzene Remediation: Technically Simple, Complicated in Practice</strong></h4><p>Benzene is a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance that rapidly penetrates into groundwater in permeable subsoil, where it dissolves and spreads further as the water flows toward surface water bodies. Benzene also binds to rock particles and migrates in the form of vapors into overlying unconsolidated layers.</p><p>Scientists in Liberec therefore tested <i>in situ </i>chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology under laboratory conditions. The goal was to find an oxidant capable of breaking down benzene directly underground into less hazardous substances.</p><p>The tests evaluated two main options:<strong> activated hydrogen peroxide and sodium peroxodisulfate</strong>. Both substances removed up to<strong> 99.99% of the benzene</strong>, but there was a difference in their kinetics and impacts on the natural environment. Activated hydrogen peroxide achieved nearly complete degradation of the contaminant within a single day. Activated sodium peroxodisulfate was slower and also significantly altered the chemistry of the water; it acidified the environment and increased the sulfate content in the water, which poses an additional environmental burden.</p><p>For field applications, the researchers therefore unequivocally recommended <strong>activated hydrogen peroxide</strong>.</p><h4><strong>Dosage Matters</strong></h4><p>It was not just the oxidant’s effectiveness that was key. It was equally important to determine how the chemical reaction would behave in a real geological environment. The team of scientists therefore also analyzed what is known as <strong>soil oxidant consumption (SOD)</strong>. It turned out that a significant portion of the oxidizing agent does not react solely with benzene but is also consumed to a significant extent by the rock environment itself, particularly by natural organic substances present in the fine-grained fraction of the soil.</p><p>An oxidant consumption value was determined specifically for the local composition of the aquifers, which is essential for the correct dosing of chemicals in the field so that the remediation is not only effective but also economically viable and safe for surrounding ecosystems.</p><h4><strong>One Year After the Accident: Research Turns into Real-World Assistance</strong></h4><p>While the public often perceives university science as a distant world of laboratories and grant projects, it is precisely situations like this that demonstrate its practical impact. The results of the work by researchers at CXI TUL did not remain confined to academic studies but directly influenced decisions regarding the technology used to clean up one of the largest environmental accidents in recent years.</p>

Science on the Front Lines: Cleanup of a Benzene Spill

Development of a Flow-through Cell for Ultrasonic Extraction (UE)─Single Particle (SP)─ICP-MS─an Approach for Nano/Microparticle Elemental and Isotopic Analysis

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Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

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The Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations of the Technical University of Liberec, also known as CXI TUL, was founded in 2009. Our mission is to support TUL's long-term vision of collaboration with industry and innovation.

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LECO GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer

GDS950 is a glow discharge spectrometer for bulk elemental analysis and depth profiling of conductive and non-conductive solids, combining high-resolution optics with Cornerstone software for efficient, reliable results.

<p><strong>The GDS950 Glow Discharge Spectrometer delivers advanced technology for routine elemental analysis and compositional depth profiling of both electrically conductive and non-conductive solid materials. By combining robust hardware with intuitive Cornerstone® software, the GDS950 simplifies operation, reporting, and data handling while reducing overall analysis time in the laboratory.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_b7ff6d66f6.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_b7ff6d66f6.jpg 190w," sizes="100vw" width="1824" height="1500"></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Glow Discharge Source Advantages</strong></h5><ul><li>Simple, linear calibrations compared with alternative excitation sources</li><li>Controlled excitation occurring away from the sample surface</li><li>Reduced consumption of reference materials</li><li>Automatic source cleaning between analyses to minimize matrix effects and improve analytical performance</li></ul><h5><strong>Detection System Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>Full wavelength coverage from <strong>120 to 460 nm</strong></li><li>High spectral resolution of <strong>30 pm (0.030 nm)</strong> to resolve complex spectral features</li><li>Stable and flexible CCD-based detection system</li></ul><h5><strong>Optional CDP (Compositional Depth Profiling)</strong></h5><ul><li>Enables depth-resolved elemental analysis of solid materials</li><li>Ideal for plating, galvanizing, cladding, and surface heat treatments</li><li>Seamlessly integrated within Cornerstone software for simplified analysis and reporting</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_2_512aa03c89.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_2_512aa03c89.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1345" height="433"></p><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The GDS950 is well suited for bulk elemental determination in metals and other solid materials such as steel, cast iron, titanium, and related alloys. With the optional CDP capability, the system supports depth profile analysis of surface treatments including galvanizing, plating, heat treatment layers, and claddings. When equipped with the optional DC/RF lamp configuration, the analytical scope expands to include electrically non-conductive materials such as paints, glass, plastics, and other coated or polymeric solids.</p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS) is a direct analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of solid samples. A flat, prepared sample is mounted on the glow discharge source, which is evacuated and then backfilled with argon gas. An electric field is applied between the sample, acting as the cathode, and the grounded lamp body, serving as the anode, resulting in a stable, self-sustained glow discharge plasma.</p><p>The applied current is controlled by the power supply, while lamp voltage is stabilized through regulation of the argon pressure. Once the plasma is formed, argon ions are accelerated toward the sample surface. Through cathodic sputtering, kinetic energy is transferred to surface atoms, ejecting them into the plasma.</p><p>Models equipped with the optional radio frequency (RF) source use RF energy instead of direct current to sustain the plasma. LECO’s proprietary True Plasma Power algorithm compensates for radiated and reflected power losses, enabling accurate quantitative bulk analysis and depth profiling of both conductive and non-conductive samples.</p><p>Ejected atoms undergo inelastic collisions with energetic electrons or metastable argon atoms, becoming electronically excited. As these atoms return to lower energy states, they emit photons at wavelengths characteristic of each element. Because every element has a unique emission spectrum, elemental identification is achieved through spectrochemical signatures.</p><p>The emitted light is collected by a spectrometer whose optical system is continuously purged with argon to maintain transparency across the ultraviolet and visible range. CCD detector arrays capture the full spectrum from 120 to 460 nm simultaneously. The resulting signals are digitized and processed to remove dark current, normalize pixel response, extend dynamic range, and eliminate pixel artifacts. Quantitative results are obtained by calibrating against reference materials of known composition.</p>

LECO GDS900 Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer

GDS900 is a glow discharge spectrometer for fast, reliable bulk elemental and optional depth profiling analysis of conductive solids, combining high resolution optics with intuitive Cornerstone software.

<p><strong>The GDS900 Glow Discharge Spectrometer delivers advanced, reliable technology for routine elemental determination in electrically conductive solid materials. Designed for high-performance industrial and laboratory environments, the GDS900 combines robust hardware with intuitive Cornerstone® software to simplify operation, reporting, and data handling while reducing overall analysis time.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Glow Discharge Source Advantages</strong></h5><ul><li>Simple, linear calibrations compared to alternative excitation sources</li><li>Controlled excitation occurring away from the sample surface</li><li>Reduced consumption of reference materials</li><li>Automatic source cleaning between analyses to save time and minimize matrix effects</li><li>Improved analytical performance and reproducibility</li></ul><h5><strong>Detection System Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>Full wavelength coverage from <strong>160 to 460 nm</strong></li><li>High spectral resolution of <strong>50 pm (0.050 nm)</strong> for resolving complex spectral features</li><li>Stable, flexible detection platform based on CCD array technology</li></ul><h5><strong>Optional CDP (Compositional Depth Profiling) Capability</strong></h5><ul><li>Enables depth-resolved elemental analysis of conductive solids</li><li>Ideal for applications such as plating, galvanizing, cladding, and surface heat treatments</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_900_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_1878a3a2c6.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS900 Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_900_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_1878a3a2c6.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="600" height="399"></p><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The GDS900 is optimized for bulk elemental analysis of conductive solid materials, including steel, cast iron, titanium, and other metals. When equipped with the CDP option, it also supports compositional depth profiling of treated surfaces such as galvanizing layers, plated coatings, claddings, and heat-treated materials.</p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS) is a direct analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of solid samples. A flat, prepared sample is mounted onto the glow discharge source, which is evacuated and then filled with argon gas. An electric field is applied between the sample, acting as the cathode, and the grounded lamp body, serving as the anode.</p><p>This setup generates a stable, self-sustained glow discharge plasma. Argon ions formed in the plasma are accelerated toward the sample surface, where they transfer kinetic energy to surface atoms through cathodic sputtering. These atoms are ejected into the plasma and become excited through collisions with energetic electrons or metastable argon atoms.</p><p>As the excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit photons at characteristic wavelengths unique to each element. The emitted light is collected by a spectrometer whose optical system is continuously purged with argon to maintain transparency across the ultraviolet and visible range.</p><p>Photosensitive CCD detector arrays capture the full emission spectrum from 160 to 460 nm simultaneously. The resulting signals are digitized and processed to correct for dark current, normalize pixel response, extend dynamic range, and eliminate pixel artifacts. Since emitted photon intensity is proportional to elemental concentration, quantitative results are obtained through calibration with certified reference materials.</p><h4><strong>Models</strong></h4><h5><strong>GDS900DCBO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental analysis</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCEXBO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental analysis with extended wavelength range</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCQO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental and CDP analysis</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCQEXO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental and CDP analysis with extended wavelength range</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h4><strong>Options</strong></h4><ul><li>Integrated desk or mobile workstation</li><li>High-purity gas regulators</li><li>Vacuum pump sound abatement enclosure</li></ul>

Products from category AES (Atomic emission spectroscopy) focused on GD/MP/ICP-AES - page 1

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Science on the Front Lines: Cleanup of a Benzene Spill

Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut