Ultrafast direct imaging using a single high harmonic burst

Abstract

We have demonstrated ultrafast direct soft x-ray microscopy imaging. Microscopy images were acquired using an objective zone plate and a single strong high harmonic burst generated from He in a two-color laser field. This zone-plate-based microscopy system delivered real-space images directly without any data processing. The spatial resolution of the microscope was estimated to be about 140 nm from the image of nanoscale grating patterns.