XIM - X-ray Imaging & Microscopy

The X-ray Imaging & Microscopy Group at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) is dedicated to pushing  the frontiers of high-resolution, non-destructive imaging of matter through advanced synchrotron-based hard X-ray techniques deployed on its 10 beamlines. By combining the ESRF’s brilliant and coherent beams with cutting-edge optics, detectors, and computational methods, the group enables three-dimensional, in situ, and real-time observations at micro- to nano scales, or the probing of atomic distances by diffraction. Their toolbox includes phase-contrast and absorption imaging, full-field and scanning (diffraction) microscopy, (Bragg) coherent diffraction imaging, fluorescence, and spectroscopic methods. These are applied across a broad spectrum of disciplines — from materials science, physics, and engineering to earth science, environmental studies, biology, and cultural heritage.

Science & Applications

The group serves a highly interdisciplinary user community. Typical application domains include:

Engineering, Materials & Nanotechnology: Studying microstructure, strain, interfaces, and phase transformations in engineered and functional materials. Depicting fast processes at the nanosecond scale.

Life Sciences & Biology: Imaging cells, tissues, and biomaterials with elemental specificity and nanometric resolution as well as complete organs in 3D.

Environmental & Earth Sciences: Mapping trace elements and speciation in soils, minerals, and natural samples. Volume response of natural samples with respect to external influences.

Cultural Heritage: Ancient and artistic materials, fossils and heritage objects.

Basic & Fundamental Research: Method development considering new approaches in (computational) X-ray imaging modalities as well as explorative research.