Three-dimensional imaging techniques such as x-ray computed tomography and laser confocal microscopy have become important tools in porous-materials research. These techniques provide quantitative, three-dimensional maps of pore, structure, solid-phase structure, and in some cases, fluid-phase distributions. Depending on the technique used, image resolutions of 200 nm and below are possible.

The terminology image-based modeling refers to the use of tomography data for computational modeling. The obvious benefit to this approach is that modeling is performed using the structure of a real material, which includes spatial correlations, anisotropy, heterogeneity, or other factors that may not be captured in a computer-generated material.

The research consortium maintains collaborations with a number of imaging partners. Members benefit from these relationships through sample imaging, access to existing data sets and access to various computational algorithms used for image analysis and imaged-based modeling.