Three-dimensional reconstructions are a useful visualisation aid for understanding the volumetric relationships between features in an object. Typically, three dimensional reconstructions have evolved with regards to biological applications, where the collection and manipulation of the data has matured to a point where volumetric rendering has become almost routine. Two common data collection procedures involve either virtual sectioning using CLSM, where layers within the object are imaged successively without mechanical sectioning, or alternatively the projection of the object is imaged, via TEM while being rotated through a range of angles. This paper describes a novel application of three dimensional imaging by collecting 2 dimensional serial section images using a recently described technique for imaging materials using a VPSEM, known as Charge Contrast Imaging.

Figure 1 shows a typical image of a polished grain of gibbsite. Previous work has correlated the appearance of the concentric rings to laboratory controlled precipitation events, thus showing the technique provides information on the precipitation history