Fourier-Transform X-Ray Microscope

A proposed x-ray instrument - a Fourier-transform x-ray microscope - would enable high-resolution imaging of objects with sizes of the order of 20 nm. (This size range is typical of cell organelles.) The instrument would also offer a spectroscopic capability for the sensitive detection and identification of selected chemical elements and chemical bonds. The instrument could be used, for example, to examine microscopic biological samples, to study surface chemistries, or to identify chemical contaminants on the surfaces of microelectronic devices during fabrication.