X-ray zooming microscopy with two Fresnel zone plates

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Microscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional X-ray microscopes often have fixed magnification, limiting their adaptability.
• Achieving high magnification typically requires long camera lengths, posing practical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a full-field X-ray microscope with continuously variable magnification.
• To demonstrate high-resolution imaging capabilities for biological and material samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) in a novel configuration.
• Achieved variable magnification by adjusting FZP positions with fixed sample and camera.
• Employed a knife-edge for phase-contrast imaging.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated magnification range of 25-150× at 14.4 keV.
• Achieved >300× magnification at a 7m camera length using FZPs as convex and concave lenses.
• Resolved 40nm line and space patterns at 10 keV.
• Successfully obtained phase-contrast images suitable for soft-tissue observation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed variable-magnification X-ray microscope offers unprecedented flexibility.
• The system enables high-resolution, phase-contrast imaging, beneficial for biological and material sciences.
• This technology advances the capabilities of X-ray microscopy for diverse applications.