Physical optics basis for the X-ray phase imaging of low contrast samples: a primer

ISSN： 0889-311X

Source： Crystallography Reviews, Vol.14, Iss.4, 2008-10, pp. : 263-290

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

X-ray imaging of biological materials has, in the past, relied on the difference in absorption between the two of the main constituents of living matter (water and carbon) at certain energies. In recent years, phase techniques relying on the X-ray refractive index difference of materials have been developed that have allowed biological and other low-contrast materials to be imaged. In this primer, we aim to cover some of the terminology and methods involved in X-ray phase imaging and provide a framework for understanding phase-imaging and phase-retrieval methods. We conclude with a discussion on some of the most recent advances in this field where far-field diffraction patterns of samples can be inverted to provide very high-resolution structure leading, possibly, to the prospect of single-molecule imaging.