Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy

The essence of the technique is a combination of spectromicroscopy, imaging with spectral sensitivity, and microspectroscopy, recording spectra from very small spots.

Refocus mirrors are adjusted to put the beam into the microscope and steered to maximize the flux passing through the zone plate.

[3] STXM has been used to study reinforce filler particles used in molded compressed polyurethane foams in the automotive and fishing industries to achieve higher load bearing capability.

Two types of polymers, copolymer styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN) and aromatic-carbamate rich poly-isocyanate poly-addition (PIPA), are chemically indistinguishable by transmission electron spectroscopy.

With NEXAFS, spectra of SAN and PIPA absorb strongly at 285.0 eV associated with the phenyl groups of the aromatic filler particles and thus show the same electron spectroscopy image.

Soft X-rays also interact with almost all elements and allow mapping of chemical species based on bonding structure.

STXM allows for study of a variety of questions regarding the nature, distribution, and role of protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleic acid in biofilms, especially in the extracellular matrix.