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Compact soft x-ray microscope using a gas-discharge light source.
Markus Benk1, Klaus Bergmann, David Schäfer
1Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology, Aachen, Germany. markus.benk@ilt.fraunhofer.de
Optics Letters
|October 17, 2008
Summary
A novel soft x-ray microscope utilizes a pseudo-spark gas-discharge plasma source. This high-intensity source enables advanced microscopy applications with a focused photon flux.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Microscopy
Background:
- Soft x-ray microscopy requires high-intensity, focused light sources.
- Gas-discharge plasmas offer potential as compact, high-brightness sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a soft x-ray microscope utilizing a novel gas-discharge plasma source.
- To characterize the performance of the plasma source for microscopy applications.
Main Methods:
- A gas-discharge plasma source with pseudo spark-like electrode geometry was employed.
- Radiant intensity and brilliance of the nitrogen emission line were measured.
- Ray-tracing simulations were performed to predict achievable photon flux.
- A proof-of-principle microscopy experiment was conducted.
Main Results:
- The source achieved a radiant intensity of 4 x 10(13) photons/(sr pulse) at 2.88 nm.
- A brilliance of 4.3 x 10(9) photons/(microm2 sr s) was obtained at a 1 kHz repetition rate.
- Simulations predicted a photon flux of 1 x 10(7) photons/(microm2 s) with a collector.
Conclusions:
- The developed gas-discharge plasma source is suitable for soft x-ray microscopy.
- The pinch plasma concept demonstrates applicability for high-resolution imaging.
- This technology opens new avenues for advanced materials analysis.
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