PROGRESS IN IMAGING MICROSCOPY WITH X-RAY LASERS AT LLNL

Imaging microscopy with short pulse (200 ps) x-ray lasers offers the opportunity of high resolution three-dimensional imaging of specimens in an aqueous environment without the blurring effects associated with natural motion and radiation induced chemical decomposition. As a first step towards this goal we have performed imaging experiments with the Ni-like Ta x-rav laser (lambda = 44.83 angstrom) which have clearly resolved 500 angstrom features on a gold test pattern. In addition, we have ta-ken images of gold labeled dried rat sperm as a basis for comparison in future wet specimen imaging. The results of these experiments are described.