Laboratory-Based Soft X-Ray Tomography: A Novel Laser Design, Source Monitoring, and Data-Processing Workflow

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Microscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Laboratory-based X-ray microscopy requires concurrent development of X-ray sources.
• The water-window range is crucial for biological and materials imaging.
• Existing systems necessitate improvements in robustness and user-friendliness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present major upgrades to the laboratory soft X-ray microscope (L-TXM) plasma chamber and data analysis protocol.
• To demonstrate improved performance of the laser-plasma source.
• To showcase the system's capability for 3D imaging and segmentation.

Main Methods:

• Upgraded the L-TXM plasma chamber.
• Developed a new data analysis protocol.
• Characterized the laser-plasma source performance.
• Acquired a proof-of-principle tomogram of a diatom.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated improved performance of the laser-plasma source.
• Showcased a robust data treatment protocol.
• Successfully performed 3D imaging and segmentation of a diatom.
• Validated the enhanced capabilities of the L-TXM system.

Conclusions:

• The upgrades significantly enhance the L-TXM's performance and robustness.
• The developed data analysis protocol is effective for 3D imaging and segmentation.
• These advancements make L-TXM a more user-friendly tool for soft X-ray microscopy.