STXM Principle and Overview

We operate three Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopes (STXM) at the NSLS beamline X-1A:

Outboard STXM

This is the microscope used most and operates mainly at the Carbon absorption edge (between around 280 and 310 eV photon energy).

Inboard STXM

This microscope is sometimes used by general users. It operates mainly at the Oxygen absorption edge (between around 520 and 560 eV photon energy).

Inboard Cryo STXM

This microscope can hold the sample at cryogenic temperatures to reduce radiation damage. It is currently undergoing a major upgrade and is not in operation.

Table 1.1 lists the microscopes with their short names, which you'll encounter frequently throughout this manual.

Table 1.1: X1A microscopes and short names

Microscope	Short name	Alternative short name
X1A Outboard STXM	x1aos	stxmo
X1A Inboard STXM	x1ais	stxmi
X1A Inboard Cryo STXM	x1aic	cryo