Development of a Soft X-ray Microprobe for Radiobiology Studies

The King's College London (KCL) first X-ray microprobe (MKI) and the third generation microfocus X-ray sources (MKIII) are intended to be used for various applications including the study of physical and biological interactions at the atomic and molecular scales. The microfocus ultra-soft X-ray sources (MKI and MKIII) with interchangeable targets will provide a superior spatial resolution (a focal spot a few hundreds of nanometres in diameter can be achieved) and the control of the dose delivered to irradiated cells. This will require characterization of the spectra and intensities of the source, measurements of the focus intensities and spot sizes of suitable X-ray optics such as zone plates, grazing incidence microstructured optical arrays and multilayer mirrors.