Developing Coherent X-ray Imaging Methods for Analytic Nanostructure Investigations

Abstract

Coherent Diffraction Imaging (CDI) method can visualize material structures directly from measured coherent diffraction patterns. This technique enables imaging various types of non-crystalline materials. Due to the simple experimental configuration, CDI technique can be easily adapted to various specimens given sufficient coherent light sources. This method was primarily combined with an X-ray light source to perform non-destructive, non-labeled imaging of a variety of samples. Despite the demonstrated versatility of CDI through several applications, the demand to developing the technique for analytic probes is intense. For example, in-plane magnetization imaging of thick substrate surfaces, or imaging of biological samples with reduced radiation damage caused by X-rays. In this thesis, we report on the devices and experiments developed for the above challenging experimental areas, emphasizing the adaptability of CDI. Successful developments include establishing the cryogenic-CDI method and single-shot coherent X-ray imaging instrument with the X-ray free electron laser (XFEL). In addition, we report on the in-plane magnetization imaging performed in reflective geometry. Finally, label-free, quantitative 3D imaging of metaphase chromosomes is also introduced, realized by this newly developed cryo-CDI.