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3D Imaging of Soft-Tissue Samples using an X-ray Specific Staining Method and Nanoscopic Computed Tomography
Published on: October 24, 2019
Pinch plasma source for x-ray microscopy with nanosecond exposure time
R Lebert1, W Neff, D Rothweiler
1Lehrstuhl für Lasertechnik, RWTH Aachen, Steinbachstrasse 15, D-52074 Aachen, Federal Republic of Germany.
Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology
|February 11, 2011
Summary
Bright, compact X-ray microscopy sources were developed using pinch plasma devices. Optimized nitrogen (N VII) emission achieved 0.1 μm resolution for biological imaging.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Plasma Physics
- X-ray Optics
Background:
- X-ray microscopy demands bright, compact, and inexpensive sources.
- Flash X-ray sources are under development to meet these demands.
- Imaging X-ray microscopes utilize mirror condensers and Fresnel zone plates.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze requirements for X-ray microscopy sources.
- Identify optimal spectral and plasma conditions for high-resolution imaging.
- Compare pinch plasma sources with laser-produced plasma sources.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of pinch-plasma devices.
- Optimization of integrated spectral brightness (ISB).
- Experimental measurements of ISB.
Main Results:
- Hydrogen-like nitrogen (N VII) Lyman-α line at 2.48 nm is optimal.
- Achieved nonequilibrium plasma conditions: ~200 eV temperature, 10^20 cm^-3 electron density.
- Optimized pinch plasma source ISB exceeds 0.6 μJ/(μm^2 sr) in 10-20 ns pulses.
Conclusions:
- Optimized pinch plasma sources meet X-ray microscopy demands.
- Achieved ~0.1 μm lateral resolution for wet biological samples.
- Pinch plasma sources offer competitive emission characteristics compared to laser-produced plasmas.
