Nano-Scale Resolution Spectro-Microscopy by Coherent X-ray Diffraction.*

Coherent x-ray diffraction microscope, with its spatial resolution limited only by signal-to-noise ratio, has paved a route to a generic nano-scope relieved from crystalline specimens and destructive sample preparation. We advanced it further as a versatile spectro-microscopy. By using stark contrast in x-ray scattering lengths in the vicinity of atomic absorption edges, we could identify elements distribution at a nanometer scale. As the element specificity is acquired from direct x-ray absorption, it provides full flexibility for \textit{ab initio} imaging. Successful results on elemental mapping of nano-structures and single biological cells from 1-3 keV range coherent x-ray source will be presented.