Laboratory-Based Correlative Soft X-ray and Fluorescence Microscopy in an Integrated Setup.

Area of Science:

• Microscopy
• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Correlative microscopy integrates multiple imaging techniques for comprehensive sample analysis.
• Fluorescence microscopy offers functional contrast but limited structural detail.
• Soft X-ray microscopy provides label-free structural contrast but requires complex setups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact, laboratory-based soft X-ray microscope for correlative imaging.
• To combine the strengths of fluorescence and soft X-ray microscopy.
• To enable in situ correlative imaging without sample manipulation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a table-top soft X-ray microscope with integrated epifluorescence.
• Utilizing laser-produced plasmas for sufficient soft X-ray photon flux.
• Performing correlative imaging on various samples, including cells and nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Achieved nanoscale structural resolution down to 50 nm.
• Demonstrated successful multimodal imaging of nanoparticles and multicolor labeled cells.
• Ensured identical measurement conditions by keeping samples in place.

Conclusions:

• The developed compact soft X-ray microscope facilitates in situ correlative imaging.
• This approach merges nanoscale structural resolution with functional contrast.
• The system offers a powerful tool for investigating complex biological and nanomaterials.