Off-axis multilayer zone plate with 16 nm × 28 nm focus for high-resolution X-ray beam induced current imaging

Abstract

Using multilayer zone plates (MZPs) as two-dimensional optics, focal spot sizes of less than 10 nm can be achieved, as we show here with a focus of 8.4 nm × 9.6 nm, but the need for order-sorting apertures prohibits practical working distances. To overcome this issue, here an off-axis illumination of a circular MZP is introduced to trade off between working distance and focal spot size. By this, the working distance between order-sorting aperture and sample can be more than doubled. Exploiting a 2D focus of 16 nm × 28 nm, real-space 2D mapping of local electric fields and charge carrier recombination using X-ray beam induced current in a single InP nanowire is demonstrated. Simulations show that a dedicated off-axis MZP can reach sub-10 nm focusing combined with reasonable working distances and low background, which could be used for in operando imaging of composition, carrier collection and strain in nanostructured devices.

Hard X-ray Microscopy Enhanced by Coherent Image Reconstruction

“…here ∆ defines the Laplace operator, k = 2π/λ the wavenumber in free space for wavelength λ, n λ the refractive index describing wavefield matter interaction and ψ λ (x, y, z) the time-independent monochromatic wavefield in three dimensions 3 .…”

“…In the case of hard x-rays 3 , where the wavelength is shorter by a factor of about 5000 compared to the optical regime, a microscope with a NA similar to optical microscopes would promise resolutions in the sub-Angstrom range. This would even allow imaging of atoms.…”

“…The electromagnetic field oscillates at rates of ≈ 10 PHz. This can not be resolved by electronic devices 3. The description is valid for the absence of matter n λ = 1 as well as for the case of matter if we assume that the materials are non-magnetic and only slowly varying compared to the wavelength λ.…”