微焦点源X射线相衬成像技术

 相衬成像方法利用硬X射线对低密度弱吸收物质成像,可获得高衬度图像。用菲涅尔衍射理论分析了X射线图像的形成机理。在频域中根据光学传递函数,对物像距离、样品空间频率等对图像相位衬度的影响进行了分析。分辨率和衬度是决定图像可见度的两个依据,分辨率主要依赖于光源的空间相干性,空间相干性又决定于源点尺寸,而时间相干性（单色性）是一个不重要的影响因子。利用多色微焦点源实现了X射线相衬成像技术,获得了有价值的相衬图像,如低原子序数低密度泡沫材料的硬X射线相衬图像,与吸收衬度成像相比,其图像质量得到了很大提高,能观察到泡沫材料的细微结构,分辨率可达μm量级。     

硬X光光电成像系统面密度分辨能力

 针对基于将X光转换成可见光接收的硬X光光电成像系统,研究了系统面密度分辨能力的理论模型,获得了系统面密度分辨能力的上下限的表达式;建立了对硬X光成像系统对面密度分辨能力的测量方法。利用自制面密度分辨率板,实验测量了由射频X光机、转换屏、光纤锥耦合和CCD相机组成的硬X光光电成像系统在不同照射量下的面密度极限分辨能力的上下限值。实验结果与理论分析模型分析趋势一致,在未饱和条件下面密度分辨力上限随着照射量的增加而不断增加,而面密度分辨力下限随着照射量的增加将减小。     

基于激光驱动等离子体X光源的X射线相衬成像

为了诊断惯性约束聚变(ICF)内爆靶丸球壳的多层信息,在神光Ⅱ激光器上对激光驱动等离子体X光源的相衬成像进行了研究。利用神光Ⅱ第9路激光驱动平面Ti靶获得X光源,在10μm的针孔约束下作为次级点光源对样品成像,用X光胶片记录。成功地将相衬成像技术应用于ICF实验,综合考虑成像放大倍数、分辨力、成像衬度和抑制烧蚀碎片等因素,选择合适的实验条件,成功获得了清晰的双层内爆靶丸球壳结构,空间分辨力优于10μm。     

High resolution hard X-ray photoemission using synchrotron radiation as an essential tool for characterization of thin solid films

Recently, we have shown that hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy using undulator X-rays at SPring-8 is quite feasible with both high resolution and high throughput. Here we report an application of hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy to the characterization of electronic and chemical states of thin solid films, for which conventional PES is not applicable. As a typical example, we focus on the problem of the scatter in the reported band-gap values for InN. We show that oxygen incorporation into the InN film strongly modifies the valence and plays a crucial role in the band gap problem. The present results demonstrate the powerful applicability of high resolution photoemission spectroscopy with hard X-rays from a synchrotron source.     

X射线衍射增强成像中吸收、折射以及散射衬度的计算层析

X射线相位衬度成像是一种新型的X射线成像技术,通过记录射线穿过物体后相位的改变对物体进行成像,可以提供比传统的X射线吸收成像更高的图像衬度以及空间分辨力。衍射增强成像方法(Diffraction enhancedimaging,DEI)是X射线相位衬度成像方法之一,利用一块放置在物体和探测器之间的分析晶体提取物体的吸收、折射以及散射信息并进行成像。将衍射增强成像方法与计算机断层成像技术(Computerized Tomography)进行结合,利用吸收、散射以及折射信息,分别采用滤波反投影以及雷登(Radon)变换,对昆虫样品——蜜蜂进行计算层析重建,获得了好于X射线吸收计算层析的重建结果,验证了衍射增强成像信息分离计算层析的优越性。     

Zernike phase contrast in scanning microscopy with X-rays

Scanning X-ray microscopy focuses radiation to a small spot and probes the sample by raster scanning. It allows information to be obtained from secondary signals such as X-ray fluorescence, which yields an elemental mapping of the sample not available in full-field imaging. The analysis and interpretation from these secondary signals can be considerably enhanced if these data are coupled with structural information from transmission imaging. However, absorption often is negligible and phase contrast has not been easily available. Originally introduced with visible light, Zernike phase contrast(1) is a well-established technique in full-field X-ray microscopes for visualization of weakly absorbing samples(2-7). On the basis of reciprocity, we demonstrate the implementation of Zernike phase contrast in scanning X-ray microscopy, revealing structural detail simultaneously with hard-X-ray trace-element measurements. The method is straightforward to implement without significant influence on the resolution of the fluorescence images and delivers complementary information. We show images of biological specimens that clearly demonstrate the advantage of correlating morphology with elemental information.     

上海光源硬X射线相干衍射成像实验方法初探

相干X射线衍射成像方法是一种先进的成像技术,分辨率可达纳米量级.国际上大多数的同步辐射装置和自由电子激光装置都建立了该成像方法,并有将其作为主要成像技术的趋势.上海光源作为目前国内唯一的一台第三代同步辐射光源,尚未建立基于硬X射线的相干衍射成像实验平台.随着一批以波荡器为光源的光束线站投入使用,使得该方法的建立成为了可能.本文基于上海光源BL19U2生物小角散射线站,通过有效的光路设计,搭建了相干衍射实验平台,在12 keV和13.5 keV能量点均获得了硬X射线相干光束,并基于小孔衍射测量了入射光束的空间相干长度.该平台支持常规和扫描相干衍射实验模式,对小孔衍射图样及波带片扫描衍射图样实现了正确的相位重建,证明了该平台初步具备开展硬X射线相干衍射成像实验的能力.硬X射线相干衍射成像实验平台为国内首次建立,将为国内该实验方法的发展和应用提供有效的软硬件支持.     

Investigation of insect morphology by MRI: assessment of spatial and temporal resolution

Classically, the investigation of the internal morphology of insects relies on histologic methods, e.g., the preparation of thin tissue sections. However, the preparation of serial sections is time consuming and means the irreversible loss of the animal. In the present investigation, we have analyzed the potential of NMR imaging as a tool for the morphologic classification of insects with sufficient spatial resolution. With a 512 matrix, 15 mm FOV, 200 microm slice thickness, images with an in-plane spatial resolution of 30 microm are obtained with a signal-to-noise ratio of 70. These conditions require only seven averages, resulting in an experimental time of only 50 min. Such image quality already permits the differentiation of fine structural and morphologic details such as e.g., intestinal tracts and copulation organ in a beetle. Also, wing controlling dorsal muscle groups as well as leg structures and joints are clearly distinguishable. We conclude that the spatial resolution and contrast condition of MR imaging are quite promising for the new approach of zoological insect classification using NMR imaging. Further principally available technical enhancement of sensitivity and spatial resolution will provide an attractive alternative to invasive techniques for the classification of, sometimes, rare and precious insect specimen.     

Toward two-dimensional nanometer resolution hard X-ray differential-interference-contrast imaging using modified photon sieves

In this Letter, we report a significant step forward in the design of single-optical-element optics for two-dimensional (2D) hard X-ray differential-interference-contrast (DIC) imaging based on modified photon sieves (MPSs). MPSs were obtained by a modified optic, i.e., combining two overlaid binary gratings and a photon sieve through two logical XOR operations. The superior performance of MPSs was demonstrated. Compared to Fresnel zone plates-based DIC diffractive optical elements (DOEs), which help to improve contrast only in one direction, MPSs can provide better resolution and 2D DIC imaging. Compared to normal photon sieves, MPSs are capable of imaging at a significantly higher image contrast. We anticipate that MPSs can provide a complementary and versatile high-resolution nondestructive imaging tool for ultra-large-scale integrated circuits at 45 nm node and below.     

An optimized two crystal arrangement for X-ray optics

Modification of the Schwarzschild optics for applications in hard X-ray imaging is discussed. The conditions necessary to achieve a high spatial resolution with two toroidally bent crystals in the Bragg geometry are formulated, and the focusing properties of the system are numerically simulated using the ray tracing method. It is predicted that such a system could provide a spatial resolution considerably higher than the resolution of the presently available X-ray optics.     

Some practical considerations about the effects of radiation damage on hydrated cells imaged by X-ray fluorescence microscopy

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy features unique capabilities which make it well suited for biological investigations. Its high sensitivity together with high spatial resolution and penetration depth provide a unique tool for trace elements analysis in heterogeneous samples. Like most of the X-ray based techniques, radiation damage sets hard limits on the ultimate performance. Although the interactions between matter and photons are well described from a physics point-of-view, there is a lack of experimental data, in particular for XRF imaging mode. In this context, this work proposes a practical approach in addressing the limits set by radiation damage to X-ray fluorescence imaging in the case of hydrated and unfixed cells at room temperature. We find that the maximum dose tolerated by ascidian blood cells is 10⁵ Gy. A simple theoretical model allowed the minimal doses required for a good image contrast to be determined for various experimental schemes. The results are consistent with the experimental observation on ascidian blood cells which exemplifies the peculiar case of highly concentrated samples (>10,000 ppm) at room temperature. The same simple model predicts that in the case of the detection of high Z trace elements in cryo-preserved cells, the relative detection limit set by radiation damage is below 0.1 ppm at a spatial resolution of 100 nm.     

X-ray submicrometer phase contrast imaging with a Fresnel zone plate and a two dimensional grating interferometer

The application of a two dimensional (2D) grating interferometer-Fresnel zone plate combination for quantitative submicron phase contrast imaging is reported. The combination of the two optical elements allows quick recovery of the phase shift introduced by a sample in a hard X-ray beam, avoiding artifacts observed when using the one dimensional (1D) interferometer for a sample with features oriented in the unsensitive direction of the interferometer. The setup provides submicron resolution due to the optics magnification ratio and a fine sensitivity in both transverse orientations due to the 2D analysis gratings. The method opens up possibilities for sub-micro phase contrast tomography of microscopic objects made of light and/or homogeneous materials with randomly oriented features.     

硬X射线光栅微分干涉相衬成像两步相移算法的理论与实验研究

针对硬X射线光栅微分干涉相衬成像在实际应用中对低辐射剂量和快速获取图像的要求, 通过对实验系统的理论分析和参数优化设计, 采用了两步相移算法用于提取物体相位信息. 这种方法可以有效降低X射线对物体的辐射剂量, 大大提高恢复相位信息的速度, 为X射线光栅相衬成像在未来的医疗和工业中的应用奠定基础. 关键词： 光栅干涉 X射线相衬成像 两步相移算法     

X射线相衬成像法在线表征冷冻靶技术

阐述了冷冻靶类球面物体X射线相衬成像机理;Tracepro软件模拟研究证明了X射线相衬成像法能用于冷冻靶燃料层参数的表征;研制了在线表征冷冻靶的X射线相衬成像实验装置,利用该装置开展了二乙烯基苯泡沫球壳及实际氘氘冷冻靶的X射线相衬成像实验研究,获得了玻璃微球内氘氘冷冻层X射线相衬图像,成像分辨力达1.5 m;利用X射线相衬成像法可同时表征烧蚀球壳及冷冻燃料层,为惯性约束聚变实验提供冷冻靶参数。     

XBIC using a laboratory X-ray source

Results from using the current method, in which a current is induced by a focused X-ray beam (XBIC = X-ray beam induced current) on a laboratory source are presented. It is shown that by reducing the X-ray probe sizes and improving the resolution, there is a gain in contrast increase for obtained images of grain boundaries in a crystal.     

Exploring nanomagnetism with soft X-ray microscopy

Magnetic soft X-ray microscopy images magnetism in nanoscale systems with a spatial resolution down to 15 nm provided by state-of-the-art Fresnel zone plate optics. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (X-MCD) is used as the element-specific magnetic contrast mechanism similar to photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM), however, with volume sensitivity and the ability to record the images in varying applied magnetic fields which allows study of magnetization reversal processes at fundamental length scales. Utilizing a stroboscopic pump-probe scheme one can investigate fast spin dynamics with a time resolution down to 70 ps which gives access to precessional and relaxation phenomena as well as spin torque driven domain wall dynamics in nanoscale systems. Current developments in zone plate optics aim for a spatial resolution towards 10 nm and at next generation X-ray sources a time resolution in the fs regime can be envisioned.     

Science at the Hard X-ray Diffraction Limit (XDL2011), Part 1

There is growing excitement in the synchrotron materials science community about the potential of nearly diffraction-limited, high-repetition rate, hard X-ray sources, such as an Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) or an Ultimate Storage Ring (USR), and that these sources will pave the way to scientific insights and discoveries not possible with existing facilities. These future sources will deliver highly coherent, nearly diffraction-limited X-ray beams that will power ultra-intense, nanometer-scale X-ray probes and imaging capabilities approaching atomic resolution. They will produce X-ray pulses at MHz to GHz repetition rates and span pulse durations from below 50 femtoseconds to tens of picoseconds, enabling new classes of experiments in hard X-ray science.     

Simulation study of phase retrieval for hard X-ray in-line phase contrast imaging

X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) is a novel method that exploits the phase shift for the incident X-ray to form an image. For light elements such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, the phase-shift term can be up to 1000 times greater than the absorption term in the hard X-ray energy region. So XPCI has attracted much attention in recent years. Various methods for XPCI have been proposed and demonstrated on synchrotron devices and other X-ray sources[1―13], particularly the in-line metho…     

X射线菲涅耳波带板成像和投影式相衬成像的数值模拟比较

通过解析分析和数值模拟,比较了钛K线（4.5 keV）与铜K线（8.0 keV）等X射线源背光透视物体情况下,菲涅耳波带板直接成像与投影式相衬成像对被透视物体的空间分辨能力。结果表明,波带板成像可实现优于1 m的高空间分辨能力,而且使用较大尺度背光源更有利于成像。对于高透射或弱吸收的透视物体,波带板难以成像,可采用投影式相衬成像实现m级空间分辨。计入了以前文献没有考虑到的更高阶影响后,解析给出了点光源照射下相衬像的强度分布与对比度。模拟了微焦点X射线源照射存在厚度起伏的薄膜靶以及密度空间调制靶的相衬成像,点光源情况下模拟结果和解析结果相符。讨论了光源大小、成像距离等参数对相衬成像对比度和空间分辨能力的影响,结果表明,通过减小光源尺度和调节物体到探测面的距离,空间分辨能力可优化到1～4 m。     

超短超强激光与金属靶作用产生硬X射线照相

 超短超强激光与物质相互作用产生硬X射线的应用之一是X射线照相。利用等离子体国家重点实验室的SILEX-Ⅰ激光器进行了超短超强激光与高Z平面金属厚靶相互作用产生硬X射线作为照相光源的照相实验研究。采用闪烁体+胶片和闪烁体+CCD相机的方式分别接收X射线图像,在靶的侧向和后向得到清晰X射线图像。由于采用的闪烁体厚度和照相几何不同,图像质量和空间分辨率存在明显差别。这种照相技术不仅可以作为激光与固体靶相互作用产生光源研究的基础手段,而且可以作为激光与固体靶相互作用致硬X射线的探测方式。