Synchrotron X-ray imaging of inclusions in amber

Over the past six years, organic inclusions preserved in amber samples from outcrops worldwide have been discovered and imaged in 3D using propagation phase contrast based X-ray synchrotron imaging techniques at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). A brief description of the techniques and protocols used for detecting and 3D non-destructive imaging of amber inclusions is provided. The latest results from the major amber projects in the ESRF are given, illustrating the increasing utility of the imaging capabilities of X-ray synchrotron phase contrast microtomography. (C) 2010 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.