Visualizing the ultra-structure of microorganisms using table-top extreme ultraviolet imaging

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel table-top EUV microscopy technique for label-free, high-resolution imaging of microorganisms, revealing intracellular features and material composition with potential applications in life sciences.

Contribution

It introduces a ptychographic EUV imaging method at 13.5 nm wavelength for biological samples, achieving sub-60 nm resolution and element contrast in a compact setup.

Findings

Achieved sub-60 nm spatial resolution with EUV illumination.

Enabled identification of intracellular features and material composition.

Demonstrated imaging of dried microorganisms with a millimeter-scale field of view.

Abstract

Table-top extreme ultraviolet (EUV) microscopy offers unique opportunities for label-free investigation of biological samples. Here, we demonstrate ptychographic EUV imaging of two dried, unstained model specimens: germlings of a fungus (Aspergillus nidulans), and bacteria (Escherichia coli) cells at 13.5 nm wavelength. We find that the EUV spectral region, which to date has not received much attention for biological imaging, offers sufficient penetration depths for the identification of intracellular features. By implementing a position-correlated ptychography approach, we demonstrate a millimeter-squared field of view enabled by infrared illumination combined with sub-60 nm spatial resolution achieved with EUV illumination on selected regions of interest. The strong element contrast at 13.5 nm wavelength enables the identification of the nanoscale material composition inside the specimens. Our work will advance and facilitate EUV imaging applications and enable further possibilities in life science.