Visualizing the ultra-structure of microorganisms using table-top extreme ultraviolet imaging

Liu C, Eschen W, Loetgering L, Molina DPS, Klas R, Iliou A, Steinert M, Herkersdorf S, Kirsche A, Pertsch T, Hillmann F, Limpert J, Rothhardt J (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

PhotoniX SpringerOpen

Book Volume: 4

Article Number: 6

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1186/s43074-023-00084-6

Abstract

Table-top extreme ultraviolet (EUV) microscopy offers unique opportunities for label-free investigation of biological samples. Here, we demonstrate ptychographic EUV imaging of two dried, unstained model specimens: germlings of a fungus (Aspergillus nidulans), and bacteria (Escherichia coli) cells at 13.5 nm wavelength. We find that the EUV spectral region, which to date has not received much attention for biological imaging, offers sufficient penetration depths for the identification of intracellular features. By implementing a position-correlated ptychography approach, we demonstrate a millimeter-squared field of view enabled by infrared illumination combined with sub-60 nm spatial resolution achieved with EUV illumination on selected regions of interest. The strong element contrast at 13.5 nm wavelength enables the identification of the nanoscale material composition inside the specimens. Our work will advance and facilitate EUV imaging applications and enable further possibilities in life science.

Involved external institutions

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena DE Germany (DE) Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie (Hans-Knöll-Institut (HKI)) / Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Liu, C., Eschen, W., Loetgering, L., Molina, D.P.S., Klas, R., Iliou, A.,... Rothhardt, J. (2023). Visualizing the ultra-structure of microorganisms using table-top extreme ultraviolet imaging. PhotoniX, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43074-023-00084-6

MLA:

Liu, Chang, et al. "Visualizing the ultra-structure of microorganisms using table-top extreme ultraviolet imaging." PhotoniX 4.1 (2023).

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