Hard x-ray Zernike microscopy reaches 30 nm resolution

Opt Lett. 2011 Apr 1;36(7):1269-71. doi: 10.1364/OL.36.001269.

Abstract

Since its invention in 1930, Zernike phase contrast has been a pillar in optical microscopy and more recently in x-ray microscopy, in particular for low-absorption-contrast biological specimens. We experimentally demonstrate that hard-x-ray Zernike microscopy now reaches a lateral resolution below 30 nm while strongly enhancing the contrast, thus opening many new research opportunities in biomedicine and materials science.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles
  • Mice
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Polystyrenes
  • Gold