An arrayed-window microfluidic device for observation of mixed nanoparticles with an X-ray free-electron laser

Abstract

A microfluidic device was developed for coherent diffraction imaging using an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL-CDI). Liquid samples, which are separately packed in reservoirs of the device, are mixed in a flow channel after an XFEL irradiation as a trigger. An XFEL-CDI experiment was conducted and images of gold nanoparticles in solution were obtained with a resolution of several nanometers from single-shot coherent diffraction patterns. We were able to capture the images of various structures of mixed nanoparticles in the flow channel, clearly demonstrating the function of the microfluidic device. The direct observation of structural changes in liquids will contribute to development of chemistry and biology.