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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/Z53108X/1
Title: Instrument Development: A lab-scale soft X-ray microscope for biological systems
Principal Investigator: Frey, Professor JG
Other Investigators:
Horak, Dr P Kirkland, Professor AI Brocklesby, Dr WS
Springate, Dr E
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Chemistry
Organisation: University of Southampton
Scheme: Standard Research TFS
Starts: 11 March 2024 Ends: 10 March 2028 Value (£): 4,039,483
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biophysics Instrumentation Eng. & Dev.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
23 Oct 2023 EPSRC RI Strategic Infrastructure Interview Panel October 2023 Announced
24 Apr 2023 EPSRC Strategic Equipment Outline Panel April 2023 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
This instrument development application proposes the construction of a laboratory based, laser driven, water window x-ray microscope, capable of label free, nanometre spatial resolution, of biological samples with minimal sample damage.

The system makes use of the coherent nature of the x-ray radiation generated by high harmonic generation (HHG) from intense short pulse laser pulses. The coherent radiation is the basis of lensless imaging using algorithmic phase reconstruction (e.g. Coherent Diffraction Imaging and Ptychography).

The project builds on the current 29 nm imaging systems developed at Southampton and using recent advances in reliable fibre based laser technologies and in line with the Rosalind Franklin Institutes aims, will produce a system with more than an order of magnitude increase in both spatial resolution, data acquisition time, and enable the imaging of hydrated samples with minimal sample damage.

The system will be tested with several collaborations and in conjunction with the RFI and Harwell Research Complex imaging capabilities, and will be engineered to become a reliable facility to complement existing capabilities at the Central Laser Facility
Key Findings
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk