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Scanning-X-ray-Microscopy (SXM)

Technique
Why-use

Why choose Scanning X-ray Microscopy (SXM) at Diamond for your research?

Diamond offers unparalleled capabilities for Scanning X-ray Microscopy (SXM) at K- and L-edges. Our tailored SXM services for industry enable users to gain detailed morphological, chemical, and physiological insights across a broad range of organic and inorganic samples.

Using a wide photon energy range of 250-4400 eV, SXM delivers high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy with nanoscale spatial resolution as fine as 20 nm.

This advanced facility supports versatile sample conditions, enabling studies in air, under a helium atmosphere, or in wet conditions, making it ideal for hydrated polymers and biological materials. Additionally, the radiation dose is significantly lower compared to transmission electron microscopy, preserving sample integrity.

Through Diamond’s unique service model, industrial users benefit from the expertise of our dedicated team of scientists to maximise experimental efficiency and impact.

benefits

Benefits of using SXM at Diamond

  • Support and guidance: From our dedicated team of Spectroscopy experts.
  • High Spatial Resolution: Enables spatial resolution of approximately 20 nm using Fresnel zone plates.
  • Versatile Sample Conditions: Allows the measurement of samples in air, under a helium atmosphere, or between Si3N4 windows for wet samples like hydrated polymers and biological materials. Also suitable for studying catalytic processes with gas flow.
  • Elemental Analysis: Supports the study of elements such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen using natural absorption contrast in the water window. Detect L and M edges of certain metals within the operational energy range.
  • Low Radiation Dose: Ensures significantly lower radiation doses compared to transmission electron microscopy, preserving sample integrity.
  • Molecular and Magnetic Insights: Utilises light polarisation to reveal the alignment of molecular orbitals and magnetic properties.
  • Comprehensive Techniques: Combined scanning transmission microscopy with X-ray fluorescence facilitates elemental distribution analysis and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) to identify different chemical species.

Related techniques

X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy
Angle Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES)

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