The Ascent of 3D X-ray Microscopy in the Laboratory

Abstract

X rays are universally valued for their ability to penetrate opaque objects. It is only within the past few decades that their short wavelengths have also been exploited to provide 3D imaging of the objects' interiors with resolution well beyond that of light microscopy (LM) in a wide variety of applications. This article explores X-ray imaging as a quantitative sub-micron nanoscale microscopy technique, and specifically its emergent role within the context of the central microscopy laboratory.