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In the scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM) the specimen is scanned in a raster by an x-ray probe formed with a Fresnel zone plate. To achieve near diffraction limited resolution it is necessary to have a coherent source, even when forming an incoherent brightfield image by measuring the x-ray intensity transmitted by the object. This has so far been the only imaging mode used in the STXM and for hydrated biological specimens is well suited to soft x-ray wavelengths within the “water window” (2·33 to 4·36 nm) where carbon absorbs much more strongly than water. However, by the use of phase contrast rather than amplitude contrast, it is possible to form images at wavelengths where the absorption is low, resulting in lower radiation dose for the same level of contrast. Calculations made by Howells [1] and Rudolph and Schmahl [2] have demonstrated very clearly the advantages of phase contrast imaging at wavelengths outside the water window.

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