Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NanoXCAN (Nanoscale virus imaging X-ray microscope based on incoherent diffraction)
Période du rapport: 2023-05-01 au 2024-10-31
The goal of NanoXCAN is to develop a tabletop virus imaging X-ray microscope. Xrays have the advantage of performing in-situ non-destructive and non-invasive imaging compared to electron or super-resolution microscopy. They can also be element specific. Such a microscope does not currently exist, and therefore its foreseeable impact as revolutionary as the invention of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy (Betzig, Hell and Moerner, Nobel prize 2014). Our approach and methodology are based on the development of new technologies, concepts and modelling. Three, highly ambitious, key achievements must come together to fulfill this main objective.
For the success of NanoXCan, our consortium is working on the development of:
1. A new X-ray nano-imaging technology, Incoherent Diffraction Imaging or IDI (WP3),
that relies on the development of:
2. A new, high brightness, X-ray nano-source (WP2),which is made possible thanks to:
3. A new high average power tabletop laser (WP1)
For the success of NanoXCan, our consortium is working on the development of:
1. A new X-ray nano-imaging technology, Incoherent Diffraction Imaging or IDI (WP3),
that relies on the development of:
2. A new, high brightness, X-ray nano-source (WP2),which is made possible thanks to:
3. A new high average power tabletop laser (WP1)
IST and EP implemented a machine learning-enhanced amplitude and phase retrieval process using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), refining diffraction pattern analysis by filtering noise and improving reconstruction quality. A pseudothermal light source benchmark was developed to simulate realistic IDI patterns, providing a flexible testing environment that supports the accuracy and adaptability of the reconstruction models.
Additionally, several techniques, to advance noise filtering and reconstruction techniques, such as rolling convolution algorithms were applied to distinguish coherent signals from noise, achieving cleaner reconstructions that are essential for nanoscale imaging.
IST developed optimized photon counting algorithms compatible with CCDs operating in the single-photon regime, while LUH adapted K photon detection for the Advacam sensor, preparing the IDI setup for MHz-rate data acquisition. These developments align with the anticipated need for high-speed, spectral X-ray imaging, making the IDI platform ready for spectral and correlation imaging applications.
Photon counting algorithms for CMOS high-speed detectors were successfully adapted to MHz repetition rates, preparing the system for spectral optimization and correlation imaging applications. High-Damage-Threshold Coatings were developed by NANEO to meet the high-repetition-rate requirements of the laser. Moreover, Initial machine learning applications, including CNN-based real-time aberration correction, demonstrated effective beam adjustments that stabilized X-ray output.
A simplified single aperture prototype was developed. This was followed by a pixelated SLM tailored to XCAN geometry, designed and manufactured by Arcoptrix. This leads to proceed in time to the nanoplasmonic studies which provided very satisfying and results and we are confident to match better field enhancement by transfering this experimental protocol at the larger XCAN facility in short time.
Additionally, several techniques, to advance noise filtering and reconstruction techniques, such as rolling convolution algorithms were applied to distinguish coherent signals from noise, achieving cleaner reconstructions that are essential for nanoscale imaging.
IST developed optimized photon counting algorithms compatible with CCDs operating in the single-photon regime, while LUH adapted K photon detection for the Advacam sensor, preparing the IDI setup for MHz-rate data acquisition. These developments align with the anticipated need for high-speed, spectral X-ray imaging, making the IDI platform ready for spectral and correlation imaging applications.
Photon counting algorithms for CMOS high-speed detectors were successfully adapted to MHz repetition rates, preparing the system for spectral optimization and correlation imaging applications. High-Damage-Threshold Coatings were developed by NANEO to meet the high-repetition-rate requirements of the laser. Moreover, Initial machine learning applications, including CNN-based real-time aberration correction, demonstrated effective beam adjustments that stabilized X-ray output.
A simplified single aperture prototype was developed. This was followed by a pixelated SLM tailored to XCAN geometry, designed and manufactured by Arcoptrix. This leads to proceed in time to the nanoplasmonic studies which provided very satisfying and results and we are confident to match better field enhancement by transfering this experimental protocol at the larger XCAN facility in short time.
Several developments already have an appreciable impact since year 1 of the project. The work was focused mostly on the development of the laser, and the Ka generation optimisation, from which depends the success of the rest of the project.
The realisation of phase control and the ability to post-compress the MHz digital laser at very high average power and compatible with relativistic intensities at focus was demonstrated. This has implications in several areas beyond X-ray imaging. Two potentially viable commercial products have been developed during the first year: an active polarisation plate and high bandwidth, high average power mirrors. These have the potential for creating a novel market in the high repetition rate laser industry.
The development of a compact source of X-rays has progressed thanks to the development of sub-micron scale targets and numerical optimisation of laser-particle interaction. While further studies are needed to quantify the final source brightness, if successful these new Ka sources will have a very broad impact beyond imaging in the Incoherent Diffractive Imaging configuration - even as simple as point projection microscopy.
Automated implementation of an x-ray source was achieved, with prototypes being deployed at IST, Hannover and EP in the next reporting period (RP3), with potential applications in high brightness x-ray source applications.
The realisation of phase control and the ability to post-compress the MHz digital laser at very high average power and compatible with relativistic intensities at focus was demonstrated. This has implications in several areas beyond X-ray imaging. Two potentially viable commercial products have been developed during the first year: an active polarisation plate and high bandwidth, high average power mirrors. These have the potential for creating a novel market in the high repetition rate laser industry.
The development of a compact source of X-rays has progressed thanks to the development of sub-micron scale targets and numerical optimisation of laser-particle interaction. While further studies are needed to quantify the final source brightness, if successful these new Ka sources will have a very broad impact beyond imaging in the Incoherent Diffractive Imaging configuration - even as simple as point projection microscopy.
Automated implementation of an x-ray source was achieved, with prototypes being deployed at IST, Hannover and EP in the next reporting period (RP3), with potential applications in high brightness x-ray source applications.