Table-top X-ray microscopy : Sources, optics and applications

• We have developed the first operative compact sub-visible-resolution x-ray microscope for the water-window region (lambda = 2.3 - 4.4 nm). The microscope is based on a 100 Hz liquid-jet-target laser-plasma x-ray source, normal-incidence multilayer condenser optics, diffractive zone plate optics and CCD detection. In the present article we emphasize the system's aspects and summarize the recent progress on the components, all aiming at the reduction of the exposure time of a few seconds, i.e., similar to bending-magnet based microscopes. This primarily includes improved laser-plasma source, improved condenser optics using Cr/Sc multilayers, and improved image handling capability using wavelet algorithms. Such compact short-exposure time microscopes would significantly increase the applicability of the technology.

Keyword

liquid-jet target

droplet-target

generation

TECHNOLOGY

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)