XUV LASERS, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: ST15C-001

Description

We propose to develop a high-resolution soft x-ray nanoscope based on Fourier Transform Holography which has the very important advantage for real time visualization: 3D images are nearly instantaneously retrieved with a simple 2D Fast Fourier Transform operation. The table-top soft x-ray nanoscope will use for illumination a compact high average power soft x-ray laser that generates high energy pulses with full spatial coherence. This unique high repetition rate soft x-ray laser in combination with an extremely fast and robust image retrieving method will result in a powerful new imaging instrument for the study of morphological, mechanical, and physical properties of samples in a variety of environments in real time. Moreover, utilizing the same setup it will be possible to implement tomo-holography and holographic interferometry that will further potentiate the capabilities of the table-top nanoscope. These modes of operation will add new dimensions to the instrument allowing tomographic images and sub-wavelength resolution interferometry to measure physical changes in nano-structured samples.