This thesis discusses methods for high-resolution static and stroboscopic microscopy using tabletop coherent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation from tabletop high-harmonic generation (HHG) sources. These coherent short wavelength light sources are combined with a lensless, computational, phase and amplitude-contrast technique called ptychographic Coherent Diractive Imaging (CDI). While ptychographic CDI techniques are currently widespread for visible, EUV and X-ray microscopy, no previous work has been able to achieve at-wavelength resolution of extended samples, especially in a reflection geometry, nor has previous work been able to image periodic samples with high-fidelity. In this work, a combination of experimental methods for high-numerical aperture imaging and novel computational algorithms enabled the highest resolution-to-wavelength demonstrations using any CDI technique. These algorithms include tilted-plane correction, which enables high-resolution imaging of surfaces in a reflection geometry, and a powerful technique termed modulus-enforced probe, which enables both imaging of periodic objects and convergence of the ptychographic CDI algorithm in fewer iterations. Furthermore, the ultrafast pulse duration of the high-harmonic radiation is harnessed to demonstrate proof-of-principle pump-probe imaging of nanostructures, capturing thermal transport processes in nanostructures with an axial resolution of 3 angstroms. Stroboscopic imaging with nanoscale resolution is a critical tool for the investigation of nanoscale heat flow and magnetic switching for the advancement of next generation nano-electronics, data storage, and nano-engineered systems.
CY - Boulder, CO DA - 2017-01 N2 -This thesis discusses methods for high-resolution static and stroboscopic microscopy using tabletop coherent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation from tabletop high-harmonic generation (HHG) sources. These coherent short wavelength light sources are combined with a lensless, computational, phase and amplitude-contrast technique called ptychographic Coherent Diractive Imaging (CDI). While ptychographic CDI techniques are currently widespread for visible, EUV and X-ray microscopy, no previous work has been able to achieve at-wavelength resolution of extended samples, especially in a reflection geometry, nor has previous work been able to image periodic samples with high-fidelity. In this work, a combination of experimental methods for high-numerical aperture imaging and novel computational algorithms enabled the highest resolution-to-wavelength demonstrations using any CDI technique. These algorithms include tilted-plane correction, which enables high-resolution imaging of surfaces in a reflection geometry, and a powerful technique termed modulus-enforced probe, which enables both imaging of periodic objects and convergence of the ptychographic CDI algorithm in fewer iterations. Furthermore, the ultrafast pulse duration of the high-harmonic radiation is harnessed to demonstrate proof-of-principle pump-probe imaging of nanostructures, capturing thermal transport processes in nanostructures with an axial resolution of 3 angstroms. Stroboscopic imaging with nanoscale resolution is a critical tool for the investigation of nanoscale heat flow and magnetic switching for the advancement of next generation nano-electronics, data storage, and nano-engineered systems.
PB - University of Colorado Boulder PP - Boulder, CO PY - 2017 EP - 153 TI - Coherent Diffractive Imaging Near the Spatio-Temporal Limit with High-Harmonic Sources VL - Ph.D. ER -