Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy: Techniques and Applications

This lecture covers the principles and applications of Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM), focusing on the water window region and its experimental details. STXM allows for microspectroscopy with a tight focus, raster scanning, and combination with XRF and Auger. It is commonly used in soft X-ray regime for polymer technologies, biological imaging, and soil science. The water window region, transparent below the oxygen K-edge, enables the study of organic compounds and biologically relevant elements. XANES spectra provide valuable information for distinguishing DNA, RNA, histone, and protein. Experimental details include synchrotron-only techniques, vacuum requirements, and carbon contamination mitigation strategies.