TXM-Pal: a companion software for advanced data processing in spectroscopic X-ray microscopy

Transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) is a powerful and non-destructive tool for interpreting the chemical states of a wide range of materials. It utilizes X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) for the chemically sensitive mapping of specific elements, making it particularly effective for studying heterogeneous systems. However, specialized software is required for XANES imaging analyses to precisely align and correct the image drift, ensuring accurate XANES fitting. To address this issue, we developed TXM-Pal, a Python-based software optimized for XANES imaging data analysis at the 7C-XNI beamline in Pohang Light Source II. This software includes a user-friendly graphical user interface that facilitates XANES analysis, allowing images to be processed within a few minutes. The Rust-based implementation in TXM-Pal accelerates data analysis by tens of times compared with programs of pure Python. Using TXM-Pal, we procured detailed insights into the XANES analytical workflow. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed software, we mapped the Ni oxidation states within lithium-ion battery cathodes and thereby revealed their heterogeneity. TXM-Pal will be continuously updated to enhance XANES imaging analysis for users at spectroscopic X-ray microscope beamlines.