Abstract

We have commissioned a scanning transmission x-ray microscope on the VUV rins at the National Synchrotron Light Source. The primary use of the microscope will be to examine biological specimens in their natural state. This bright source of x rays coupled with a high-resolution Fresnel zone plate has allowed us to focus ultrasoft x rays to a submicron spot (<300 nm in diameter). We are using a high-throughput toroidal grating monochromator to set photons between the oxygen and carbon absorption K edges (24-44 Å). With these photons we can make a map of the transmission of thick organic matter in a live wet state at atmospheric pressure. We can also produce a map of the location and density of a particular element in a cell with submicron resolution. The ability to image specimens in their natural state with a sensitivity to elemental composition at high resolution should make this instrument a valuable tool for biologists.

© 1983 Optical Society of America