Correlated x-ray photons for incoherent diffraction imaging (A03)

• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 429529648

The project aims to transfer photon correlation based imaging techniques from the domain of quantum optics to the field of x-ray structure analysis. In a first experiment of this kind, we imaged micron-sized 2D objects with incoherent soft x-rays. Here we extend this approach to 3D imaging of materials with atomic resolution. We will explore the method by employing shorter wavelengths, using inner-shell fluorescence radiation from transition metal atoms as well as nuclear fluorescence radiation from Mössbauer isotopes, to reach a novel regime of long coherence times for background-free detection. The technique has the potential for structure determination in regimes where coherent imaging methods are not applicable.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 306: Quantum Cooperativity of Light and Matter – QuCoLiMa
• Major Instrumentation: Timepix4 detector
• Instrumentation Group: 0270 Detektoren für Strahlungsmessung, Kernspuremulsionskammern
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ralf Röhlsberger; Professor Dr. Joachim von Zanthier