Transverse Coherence Limited Coherent Diffraction Imaging using a Molybdenum Soft X-ray Laser Pumped at Moderate Pump...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is crucial for nanoscale investigations, particularly in the extreme ultraviolet spectrum.
• Laser-driven high harmonic generation (HHG) sources offer excellent coherence for applications like cancer cell classification but have limited photon flux.
• Table-top soft X-ray lasers (SXRL) provide high temporal coherence and exceptional flux, albeit with limited transverse coherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of a soft X-ray laser (SXRL) for coherent diffraction imaging (CDI).
• To compare the SXRL's CDI capabilities against a conventional high harmonic generation (HHG) source.
• To determine the feasibility of SXRLs for high-resolution, rapid nanoscale imaging.

Main Methods:

• Performance evaluation of a SXRL for CDI at moderate pump energies.
• Comparison of diffraction signals obtained from SXRL and HHG sources.
• Determination of the minimum mutual coherence factor (|μ12| ≥ 0.75) required for CDI reconstruction using double-slit characterization.

Main Results:

• A minimum mutual coherence factor of |μ12| ≥ 0.75 was established for successful CDI.
• SXRLs demonstrated potential for imaging micron-scale objects with sub-20 nm resolution, significantly reducing integration times compared to HHG sources.
• Current resolution is limited to approximately 180 nm due to the low transverse coherence diameter of the SXRL.

Conclusions:

• Soft X-ray lasers (SXRLs) offer a high-flux alternative to HHG sources for nanoscale CDI.
• Despite current resolution limitations, SXRLs hold significant potential for advancing high-performance imaging systems.
• Scalability, high repetition rates, and seeding capabilities position SXRLs as a promising route for future CDI applications.