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The formation of colloidal unmodified (naked) gold nanoparticles is investigated by irradiation of a precursor solution with X-rays from a synchrotron source. An interesting morphological evolution as a function of exposure time, from cross-linked network-like structure to individual particles, has been discovered. The particle size decreased with the exposure time and was influenced by the ionic strength of the precursor solution. Contrary to gamma-ray exposure, an OH radical scavenger was not required for cluster formation.

We investigated the room temperature electroless nickel deposition on glass, induced by synchrotron x ray. By irradiating electrolytes with intense x ray the onset time for Ni reduction disappears at high electrolyte pH (>6.0) in sharp contrast with conventional electroless deposition. The time for Ni reduction in irradiated solution also decreases with increase in electrolyte pH. Consequently higher reduction rates in alkaline solutions (pH>8.0) raise the Ni nucleation density during deposition, as illustrated by homogeneous and complete coverage of the substrate by nanoparticles within a short period of 1 min. The enhancement in reduction rate is attributed to high redox efficiency of hydrated electrons produced by x ray as well as their redox potential enhancements under higher electrolyte pH conditions. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ramification of micropipes is observed using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and synchrotron x-ray radiography. The conditions for the ramification of dislocated micropipes are determined theoretically within a model when the angles between dislocation lines are small. It is shown that the ramification of micropipes into two smaller ones is possible only for micropipes with radii that exceed the equilibrium micropipe radius and is associated with a decrease in the total micropipe surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of colloidal unmodified (`naked') gold nanoparticles is investigated by irradiation of a precursor solution with X-rays from a synchrotron source. An interesting morphological evolution as a function of exposure time, from cross-linked network-like structure to individual particles, has been discovered. The particle size decreased with the exposure time and was influenced by the ionic strength of the precursor solution. Contrary to γ-ray exposure, an OH radical scavenger was not required for cluster formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present several examples of the applications of a novel microradiology approach based on phase contrast enhancement using unmonochromatized synchrotron X-rays. The approach-mostly implemented and realized at the International Consortium on Phase Contrast Imaging and Radiology (ICPCIR) Beamline at the Pohang Light Source in Korea and on the NSRRC B01A wavelength shifter beamline in Hsinchu, Taiwan, allows the real-time analysis of a variety of phenomena on the micron and submicron scale due to the efficient use of the high-synchrotron X-ray intensity and the coherence. The practical examples concern the examination and investigation of microscopic inhomogeneities, local morphology, etc., in materials science, industrial technology, medicine, the life sciences and other areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe the general characteristics and the first result of a new synchrotron beamline at the Pohang Light Source in Korea. The beamline, operated by a Korean–Taiwanese–Swiss consortium, is dedicated to microimaging experiment in real time with coherent x rays. The performances of the first tests already reach excellent levels when compared to other similar facilities worldwide. The key feature is the use of unmonochromatized x rays to achieve very high lateral and time resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. We used imaging spectromicroscopy to characterise micro-patterned thin films of complex materials such as UPd[sub 2]Al[sub 3] and YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7]/PrBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7]. To investigate devices built from these complex materials we applied element-sensitive photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM). Information about the chemical composition of the imaged sample can be obtained by PEEM via tuning the photon energy to X-ray absorption edges. To apply spectromicroscopy we acquired microscopic images using photon energies near and at the edges. Such images give the lateral distribution of a specific element. Microspectroscopy is performed by recording the intensity of the true secondary electrons in selected spots during a sweep of the photon energy. The main aim of our work was to observe oxygen-related defects and changes in the composition affecting the physical properties of the materials. Therefore, we applied both methods to micro-patterned devices using soft-X-ray synchrotron radiation and found that small local defects and chemical differences can be easily detected. Such defects and chemical differences are quite critical to the physical properties of the devices, since they simulate spurious effects thus influencing the reliability of the devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dose measurements based on methylene blue (MB) bleaching, widely used for ultraviolet light, can also be applied to X-rays including very high flux levels. This method has been tested by using both MB bleaching and Fricke dosimetry for a conventional monochromatic X-ray source and then for 'white-beam' synchrotron radiation. The results show that MB bleaching dosimetry can easily measure X-ray doses up to at least 10[sup5] Gy s[sup-1], as long as the MB concentration is sufficiently high. This condition can be verified from the deviations from linearity of the bleaching versus exposure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new variety of the recently developed technique `X-ray bright-field imaging' is presented. In its basic version, this approach simultaneously yields diffraction-based information on lattice distortions and radiographic information on structural inhomogeneities, and is based on the detection of reversed diffraction contrast in transmission images. The new version extends the scope of the technique to the quantitative analysis of crystalline quality parameters such as the lattice plane curvature and mosaic distribution in SiC wafers, and makes it possible to correlate such parameters directly with defect (distortions/inhomogeneities) structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can x rays yield bright-field images of crystalline systems similar to those of transmission electron microscopy? So far, the response was negative, but the authors present here a positive case: bright-field x-ray images carrying information both from diffraction/scattering phenomena and from absorption and phase contrast. Specifically, synchrotron x-ray transmission micrographs simultaneously yielded diffraction-based information on strain effects and information on structural inhomogeneities when (0001) 4H-SiC wafers were set for a strong reflection in the Laue geometry. This approach offers interesting advantages with respect to the separate study of strain and inhomogeneity effects for a variety of crystalline systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase contrast has been a fundamental component of microscopy since the early 1940s. In broad terms, it refers to the formation of images using not the combination of wave intensities but their amplitudes with the corresponding phase factors. The impact on visible microscopy of biological specimens has been major. This contrast mechanism is now playing an increasingly important role in other kinds of microscopy, notably those based on electrons or x-rays. It notably solves the background problem of weak absorption contrast. New breakthroughs and new techniques are continuously produced, unfortunately unknown to most of the scientists that could exploit them. The present special cluster issue of reviews was inspired by this situation. The case of x-rays is very interesting. Phase contrast requires a high degree of longitudinal and lateral coherence. But conventional x-ray sources are not coherent. The progress of synchrotron sources yielded high coherence as a key byproduct—and started a rapid expansion of phase contrast radiology. No review—or cluster of reviews—can possibly cover all the facets of the recent progress. Without trying to be absolutely comprehensive, the present special cluster issue touches a variety of issues, giving a very broad picture. Liu et al review in general terms the different phase-based hard-x-ray techniques, with an interesting variety of examples. Then, Suortti et al and Wang et al present more specialized overviews of crystal and grating based x-ray imaging techniques, very powerful in the analysis of biological specimens. Mokso et al discuss the many facets of tomography using phase effects, expanding the picture of tomographic reconstruction of the three previous reviews. Wu et al treat the rapid progress in hard-x-ray focusing and its impact on radiology and tomography for materials science and biomedical research. The next two reviews deal with special and very interesting classes of applications. Specifically, Lee et al discuss the use of the new radiology techniques in the study of liquids, and Coan et al present the progress in phase-contrast radiology analysis of real patients. Although x-ray imaging is the main focus of the special cluster issue, the picture would not be complete without a view on the parallel and very exciting developments in electron microscopy. The last review, by Wu et al , is dedicated indeed to this broader picture, presenting recent progress in Zernike-related electron phase contrast. We trust that the special cluster issue will not only update readers on the evolution of a very important class of experimental techniques, but also prepare them for the forthcoming developments. We are indeed at the threshold of another revolution. The recently inaugurated first x-ray free electron lasers bring, together with many other record performances, full lateral coherence and excellent longitudinal coherence. The first imaging experiments show in practice their impact, and indicate that this field, far from saturating its progress, is ready for new major breakthroughs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Bright-field imaging of lattice distortions using x rays," that was published in the 2006 issue is presented.

Abstract: Background: To examine the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, imaging the vascular wall and pathology without tissue damage is required. We used the unmonochromatized synchrotron X-ray to acquire in vivo real-time and ex vivo images of atherosclerotic lesions in apo E-knockout mice without contrast agents or staining. Methods: In the five apo E-knockout mice (apo E−/−, 12, 24, 32, 48, 62-week-old, 3 males) and age/sex matched five wild type mice on cow diets, we acquired in vivo real-time images of thoracic aorta without contrast agents and then, the central arterial trees were dissected intact. Ex vivo synchrotron images with tomographic reconstruction were done and compared with the corresponding pathology. Results: For all living animals, in vivo real-time images of thoracic aorta could be acquired without contrast agents but could not identify the atherosclerotic lesions. Ex vivo images accurately determined aortic wall and atherosclerotic plaque without staining in comparison to histopathology according to the AHA classification (r =0.84, p <0.001). The volume rendered 3 D images of plaque showed central cholesterol clefts as matched with optical images. Conclusions: The combination of synchrotron enhanced X-ray microscopy and genetically engineered hyperlipidemic animals would be a useful tool to investigate the changes of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reductant, stabilizer-free colloidal gold solutions were fabricated by a new room-temperature synchrotron X-ray irradiation method. The influence of process parameters such as the pH value and the exposure time on the structure of gold nanoparticles was investigated. The mechanisms underlying the X-ray-triggered reduction of gold ions and the formation of gold clusters are discussed in detail. The X-ray irradiation derived highly concentrated gold nanoparticles are readily to be re-dispersed and possess suitable colloidal stability within cellular environment. The characterization included a study of the possible cytotoxicity for the EMT-6 tumor cell line: the negative results indicate that the gold clusters produced with our approach are biocompatible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Parkinson''s disease (PD), defined as a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies in neurons. Morphological study of Lewy bodies is important to identify the causes and the processes of PD. Here, we investigate a possibility of phase contrast radiography using coherent synchrotron X-rays to explore the microscopic details of Lewy bodies in thick (∼3 mm) midbrain tissues. Autopsied midbrain tissues of a PD patient were sliced in 3 mm thickness and then examined using synchrotron X-rays from the 7B2 beamline of the Pohang Light Source. Refraction-enhanced phase contrast radiography and microtomography were adopted to identify dark core and dim edge of Lewy bodies in neurons. The morphology of Lewy bodies was clearly revealed by the phase contrast radiography in very thick (3 mm) midbrain tissues without any staining treatment. Three-dimensional volume rendered microtomography of the autopsied midbrain tissues demonstrates striking evidence that several Lewy bodies are agglomerated by dim edges in a neuron. We suggest that the phase contrast radiography could be a useful tool to morphologically investigate the causes or the processes in PD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]