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Imaging via Correlation of X-Ray Fluorescence Photons.
Fabian Trost1, Kartik Ayyer2,3, Mauro Prasciolu1
1Center for Free-Electron Laser Science CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|May 12, 2023
Summary
Researchers used x-ray fluorescence and photon correlations to image structures, similar to stellar interferometry. This technique, using hard x-ray free-electron lasers, may enable imaging of uncrystallised macromolecules.
Area of Science:
- X-ray physics
- Optical interferometry
- Macromolecular imaging
Background:
- X-ray fluorescence typically does not maintain stationary interference patterns.
- Imaging complex structures like uncrystallised macromolecules remains a challenge in structural biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel method for imaging structures using x-ray fluorescence.
- To overcome limitations of traditional imaging techniques for non-crystalline samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing femtosecond-duration hard x-ray free-electron laser pulses to generate x-ray fluorescence.
- Recording photon-photon correlations, analogous to Hanbury Brown and Twiss stellar intensity interferometry.
- Applying iterative phasing to the photon correlation map to reconstruct a real-space image.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained a model-free, real-space image of emitter structures.
- Demonstrated that x-ray fluorescence can be used for imaging via photon correlation measurements.
- Showcased the potential for imaging samples that do not form crystals.
Conclusions:
- X-ray fluorescence imaging based on photon correlations is a viable technique.
- This method offers a promising pathway for imaging uncrystallised macromolecules.
- The technique leverages advanced x-ray free-electron laser technology for structural analysis.
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