X-ray microscopes (XRMs) are non-destructive imaging instruments that use X-ray radiation to visualise the internal structure of a sample at high magnification.
High Penetration: Unlike light or electron microscopes, which reflect from or stop at a sample’s surface, X-rays penetrate deep into dense or opaque materials.
Absorption Contrast: Image contrast arises from differences in how internal components absorb X-rays, depending on their density, thickness, and elemental composition.
3D Tomography (Micro-CT): Many X-ray microscopes rotate the sample to collect hundreds or thousands of 2D projection images, then use software to reconstruct a full 3D internal model (voxel map) without cutting the object open.
Resolution: Their resolution lies between that of standard light microscopes and electron microscopes, typically ranging from submicron to about 10–50 nanometres.
