The PULSE Nanoscale and Biomolecular Imaging team is exploring the use of ultrafast x-ray free electron lasers (FELs) for single particle coherent diffractive imaging (CXDI). We develop enabling technology for CXDI with an emphasis on aerosol generation, sample handling and data analysis. For example, we are pioneering the use of FELs to probe combustion-generated particulate matter (soot). Our research is closely linked to the Coherent X-ray Imaging Endstation of LCLS, as some of our methodologies will be implemented there.

We are also part of an international collaboration whose primary goal is to pioneer the science of collecting atomic resolution X-ray images of biomaterials using X-ray free electron lasers such as LCLS. Our goals include imaging cells, viruses, nanoparticles, proteins and their complexes or any other materials of the same size scale as a cell or smaller. The theories, instrumentation and methodologies we develop to achieve these goals will provide scientists from nearly all disciplines entirely new perspectives of the systems they study.

Aerosol imaging at FLASH, from Bogan MJ et al, Aerosol Sci Tech 44, 1-6, 2010

 PULSE Research Nanoscale & Biomolecular Imaging • Publications • Scientific Staff