High-intensity x-ray holography: an approach to high-resolution snapshot imaging of biological specimens

Technical Report · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7056325· OSTI ID:7056325

Solem, J C

The crucial physical and technological issues pertaining to the holographic imaging of biological structures with a short-pulse, high-intensity, high-quantum-energy laser were examined. The limitations of x-ray optics are discussed. Alternative holographic techniques were considered, and it was concluded that far-field Fresnel transform holography (Fraunhofer holography) using a photoresist recording surface is most tractable with near term technology. The hydrodynamic expansion of inhomogeneities within the specimen is discussed. It is shown that expansion is the major source of image blurring. Analytic expressions were derived for the explosion of protein concentrations in an x-ray transparent cytoplasm, compared with numerical calculations, and corrections derived to account for the competitive transport processes by which these inhomogeneities lose energy. It is concluded that for the near term Fresnel transform holography, particularly, far-field or Fraunhofer holography, is more practical than Fourier transform holography. Of the alternative fine grain recording media for use with Fresnel transform holography, a photo-resist is most attractive. For best resolution, exposure times must be limited to a few picoseconds, and this calls for investigation of mechanisms to shutter the laser or gate the recording surface. The best contrast ratio between the nitrogen-bearing polymers (protein and the nucleic acids) and water is between the K-edges of oxygen and nitrogen.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 7056325
• Report Number(s): LA-9508-MS; ON: DE83000473
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300 -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
550300* -- Cytology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMAL CELLS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
CELL CONSTITUENTS
CYTOPLASM
DATA
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HOLOGRAPHY
IMAGES
INFORMATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LASERS
LINE BROADENING
MATERIALS
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOTOGRAPHY
PLANT CELLS
PROTEINS
PULSE TECHNIQUES
RADIATIONS
RESOLUTION
THEORETICAL DATA
X RADIATION
X-RAY LASERS