Coherent X-ray imaging across length scales

Abstract

Contemporary X-ray imaging techniques span a uniquely wide range of spatial resolutions, covering five orders of magnitude. The evolution of X-ray sources, from the earliest laboratory sources through to highly brilliant and coherent free-electron lasers, has been key to the development of these imaging techniques. This review surveys the predominant coherent X-ray imaging techniques with fields of view ranging from that of entire biological organs, down to that of biomolecules. We introduce the fundamental principles necessary to understand the image formation for each technique as well as briefly reviewing coherent X-ray source development. We present example images acquired using a selection of techniques, by leaders in the field.

Keywords:

• X-ray imaging
• synchrotron radiation
• phase imaging
• diffraction

Acknowledgements

PM is supported by a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. PM would like to acknowledge insightful discussions with members of the Advanced X-ray Imaging Group (University College London), Dr Chris Hall and Dr Andrew Stevenson (The Australian Synchrotron) and Dr Joe Ferrara (Rigaku Corporation).

Notes

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.