Feasibility tests of transmission x-ray photoelectron emission microscopy of wet samples

Abstract

We performed feasibility tests of photoelectron emission spectromicroscopy of wet samples in the water window ͑285-532 eV͒ soft x-ray spectral region. Water was successfully confined in an ultrahigh vacuum compatible compartment with x-ray transparent sides. This water cell was placed in the MEPHISTO spectromicroscope in a transmission geometry, and complete x-ray absorption spectra of the water window region were acquired. We also show micrographs of test samples, mounted outside of the compartment, and imaged through the water. This technique can be used to study liquid chemistry and, at least to the micron level, the microstructure of wet samples. Possibilities include cells in water or buffer, proteins in solution, oils of tribological interest, liquid crystals, and other samples not presently accessible to the powerful x-ray photoelectron emission spectromicroscopy technique.

In Aqua Electrochemistry Probed by XPEEM: Experimental Setup, Examples, and Challenges

“…One solution, differential pumping, has successfully been realized in PEEM with pressures up to 10 -1 Pa,[12] but has not been able to operate at the higher pressure range (≈ 10 3 Pa) routinely achievable using APXPS. In addition to early in-transmission PEEM designs [13], ongoing development of the next generation of elevated pressure, commercial, differentially pumped photoelectron emission microscopes deserve mention as well…”

“…One solution, differential pumping, has successfully been realized in PEEM with pressures up to 10 -1 Pa,[12] but has not been able to operate at the higher pressure range (≈ 10 3 Pa) routinely achievable using APXPS. In addition to early in-transmission PEEM designs [13], ongoing development of the next generation of elevated pressure, commercial, differentially pumped photoelectron emission microscopes deserve mention as well Recent advances in microfabrication of ultrathin free-standing silicon nitride (SixNy), silicon oxide (SiO2) and silicon carbide (SiC) membranes, and especially the advent of two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, have paved the way towards a resolution of the pressure gap problem in ambient pressure PEEM studies. The electron transparency, molecular impermeability, and mechanical strength of graphene allows the study of intercalated and graphene encapsulated samples [14] including ultrahigh pressure gases.…”

A sort of pulsed microfocal x-ray source

“…The pulsed x-ray sources have attracted particular attention form research scientists in different fields including both fundamental studies and applied techniques due to its a large number of available applications [1][2] , these x-ray sources are very useful in the investigation of high-speed phenomena, life science and biomedical radiography, etc. The most modern of the resulting devices are generally based upon one of three methodologies [3][4][5] : synchrotrons, laser plasmas, or electron discharges.…”

Study of a new portable x-ray source with micro-beam

“…The micro-focus X-ray source with high brightness is valuable in X-ray microscopy and other X-ray sciences and techniques, it is the pivotal component in X-ray microscopy, X-ray computed tomography and medical digital X-ray imaging. Therefore, they have been greatly growth in the last two decades in the number and types of operating instruments as well as their capabilities [1] . There are usually four methods to get X-ray source with micro-beam.…”