Optics for short pulse X-ray sources

Abstract

Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) radiation defined between ∼30 eV and 284.2 eV [1] gives many opportunities for engineers and scientists. Shorter wavelengths, compared to visible light, allow a better optical resolution to be obtained. However, reflectivity and transparency of most materials in the EUV region is very low and therefore a lot of work needs to be done in order to improve optical systems. In that instance, optics for the EUV able to manipulate and focus the beam is needed. The field is still under rapid development as the water window spectral range is important for the bionanoimaging [2].
Part of the thesis focuses on developing optics for x-rays such as deformable mirror and beam splitter. Piezoelectric, deformable mirror (DM) has been designed to be studied in a vacuum system. We present published data from our experiments where deformable mirror changes shape of its surface, therefore wavefront after reflection from the DM is being manipulated. Some effort has been made on designing a beam splitter for more efficient separation of the high power laser from the EUV short pulses during the high harmonic generation (HHG) process. MoS₂ beam separator can allow for greater separation of the two wavelengths and significantly improve photon flux for imaging.
In this thesis we also present results from imaging biological samples (hippocampal neurons) by using lensless imaging technique - ptychography. High photon flux and stable, focused beam during the scan allowed to achieve satisfied experimental data with fine details resolved on the images. The 54 nm resolution obtained over 100 µm field of view provided phase and amplitude information, which helped in better understanding of neurons cells.

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Identifiers

ORCID for William Brocklesby: orcid.org/0000-0002-2123-6712

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