Artistic representation showing how an image is created using the newly developed method. Two colours – green and magenta – are emitted by fluorescing atoms in the sample (left) due to X-Ray excitation. The grey round object represents an optic casting a shadow on the detector. The algorithm then produces an actual image with two colours – the intensity of which represents the density of the fluorescing atoms within the sample. Photo: Markus Osterhoff

Colour images from the shadow of a sample

A research team at the University of Göttingen has developed a new method to produce X-ray images in colour. In the past, the only way to determine the chemical composition of a sample and the position of its components using X-ray fluorescence analysis was to focus the X-rays and scan the whole sample. This is time-consuming and expensive. Scientists led by MBExC member Tim Salditt have now developed an approach that allows an image of a large area to be produced from a single exposure, without the need for focusing and scanning. The method was published in the journal Optica.

Link to the press release