Soft x-ray imaging spectroscopy with micrometer resolution

Abstract

Soft x-ray spectroscopy is invaluable for gaining insight into quantum materials. However, it is typically conducted in a spatially averaging way, making it blind to inhomogeneity in samples. Here, we demonstrate how we couple imaging to x-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. Accordingly, we use a 2D detector and an off-axis Fresnel zone plate that images the sample in one spatial dimension and provides spectroscopic information in the other dimension. With our setup, we envision to enable a more detailed understanding of how the behavior of microscopic domains determines the functionality of quantum materials.