Differential Phase Contrast Imaging in the Scanning Transmission X-Ray Micro scope,

Calculations of the contrast transfer functions for differential phase contrast imaging are presented and compared to those for absorption imaging in the x-ray microscope. In the scanning transmission x-ray microscope STXM the specimen is scanned in a raster by an x-ray probe formed with a Fresnel zone plate. To achieve near diffraction limited resolution it is necessary to have a coherent source, even when forming an incoherent brightfield image by measuring the x-ray intensity transmitted by the object. This has so far been the only imaging mode used in the STXM and for hydrated biological specimens is well suited to soft x-ray wavelengths within the water window 2.33 to 4.36 nm where carbon absorbs much more strongly than water. However, by the use of phase contrast rather than amplitude contrast, it is possible to form images at wavelengths where the absorption is low, resulting in lower radiation dose for the same level of contrast. Calculations have demonstrated very clearly the advantages of phase contrast imaging at wavelengths outside the water window.