X-ray Hierarchical 3D Nanoscopy for large specimens
- Reference number
- ITM24-0166
- Project leader
- Lyubomirskiy, Mikhail
- Start and end dates
- 260101-290531
- Amount granted
- 9 798 310 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Lund University
- Research area
- Materials Science and Technology
Summary
In this project devoted to changing the horizon of high-resolution 3D visualization, we aim to i) Design and construct a new dedicated multibeam ptychographic 3D microscope, ii) advance reconstruction algorithms for a new optical scheme, and iii) apply it to samples from chemistry matter and life science and disseminate results. Our work plan includes three main work packages: i) simulation and algorithm development, where we will optimize a new optical scheme and develop a new efficient reconstruction algorithm. ii) Microscope design and construction: We will design and construct the mechanical part of the microscope, perform commissioning, and optimize the design based on the commissioning results. iii) directly apply it to two challenging sample systems to perform 3D imaging of intricate details: a catalyst particle (0.3 mm diameter) and an early-stage embryo (0.4 mm diameter). Once executed, the project will bridge the mesoscopic resolution gap for up to mm-sized samples, providing 3D resolution up to 40nm to unmatched sample sizes ranging from hundreds of microns to single mm. During the execution, it will already directly impact catalysis and embryology, which is very challenging for 3D high-resolution large-volume imaging fields. Upon completion, from a short perspective, the user community will expand to semiconductors, biology, cultural heritage, and geoscience. In the long run, it will impact industrial users in energy storage, conversion, and microelectronics
Popular science description
To understand our world, we must see it. Our eyes perceive visible objects, but not intricate microscopic structures. Scientific imaging extends our vision, becoming our eyes on the nanoscale to view objects too small or opaque to see. Just as telescopes reveal galaxies, advanced imaging techniques unveil invisible nano-worlds around and within us. There is high demand for non-destructive three-dimensional and nano-resolution visualization of large specimens. Existing methods either provide very high resolution for tiny sample sizes, typically in the order of hundredths of a millimeter, or offer poor resolution for larger sample sizes of a few millimeters. Such visualization can address many questions in science, technology, and everyday life. For instance, regarding the issue of microplastics, it is currently unknown if microplastics can penetrate the placental barrier and, thus, affect newborn babies; within our project, we will develop a method that enables the visualization of an entire early-stage embryo with nano-resolution to answer this question. Another example is cultural heritage. Currently, many historical artifacts are stored in well-preserved environments that protect them from environmental influences, such as UV radiation. However, there are many other factors that affect preservation and have lasting impacts at the nanoscale. To study these factors, nano-visualization of different parts of such artifacts is essential. In our project, we rely on the high penetration power of X-rays, allowing us to non-destructively visualize the internal structure of materials, man-made objects, or naturally obtained specimens. For nano-resolution, we require very bright X-rays produced by large-scale facilities called synchrotrons. Unlike the X-rays in a doctor's office, synchrotron-generated X-rays are many orders of magnitude brighter and more collimated. However, these beams are not perfect and cannot be fully utilized for experiments, which significantly slows down visualization. For instance, with current nano-resolution capabilities, it is possible to visualize only a small sample with a size of a twentieth of a millimeter within a week's experiment. We are developing a method that allows us to use all of the X-ray beam produced by synchrotrons to speed up visualization, which will enable the visualization of samples up to a few millimeters in size within the same timeframe.