High-Resolution Kinoform X-Ray Optics Printed via 405 nm 3D Laser Lithography

Efficient focusing of X-rays is essential for high-resolution X-ray microscopy. Diffractive X-ray optics called kinoforms offer the highest focusing efficiencies in theory. However, they have long remained unavailable due to their challenging nanofabrication. Recently, various X-ray optic geometries including kinoforms have been realized using 3D laser lithography at near-infrared wavelengths. As the smallest features (period) of the kinoform determines the resolving power, there is a natural drive to find ways to fabricate kinoforms with ever smaller features. Here, a custom-built 3D laser lithography setup with an excitation wavelength of 405 nm is used, which allows to half the smallest period of the kinoforms compared to previous work. A 40% improvement in scanning transmission X-ray microscopy image resolution, that is, a cutoff resolution of 145 nm, and an efficiency of 7.6% at 700 eV is achieved. A reconstructed pixel size of 18.5 nm, reaching the limit imposed by the design of the microscopy set-up, is demonstrated through ptychographic imaging of a magnetic sample which has a strongly reduced contrast mechanism. Moreover, X-ray lenses manufactured by 405 nm 3D laser lithography have the potential to become much less expensive than X-ray lenses made by other means

High amp; 8208;Resolution Kinoform X Ray Optics Printed via 405 nm 3D Laser Lithography

Efficient focusing of X rays is essential for high resolution X ray microscopy. Diffractive X ray optics called kinoforms offer the highest focusing efficiencies in theory. However, they have long remained unavailable due to their challenging nanofabrication. Recently, various X ray optic geometries including kinoforms have been realized using 3D laser lithography at near infrared wavelengths. As the smallest features period of the kinoform determines the resolving power, there is a natural drive to find ways to fabricate kinoforms with ever smaller features. Here, a custom built 3D laser lithography setup with an excitation wavelength of 405 nm is used, which allows to half the smallest period of the kinoforms compared to previous work. A 40 improvement in scanning transmission X ray microscopy image resolution, that is, a cutoff resolution of 145 nm, and an efficiency of 7.6 at 700 eV is achieved. A reconstructed pixel size of 18.5 nm, reaching the limit imposed by the design of the microscopy set up, is demonstrated through ptychographic imaging of a magnetic sample which has a strongly reduced contrast mechanism. Moreover, X ray lenses manufactured by 405 nm 3D laser lithography have the potential to become much less expensive than X ray lenses made by other mean

Grand Challenges in global eye health: a global prioritisation process using Delphi method

Background We undertook a Grand Challenges in Global Eye Health prioritisation exercise to identify the key issues that must be addressed to improve eye health in the context of an ageing population, to eliminate persistent inequities in health-care access, and to mitigate widespread resource limitations. Methods Drawing on methods used in previous Grand Challenges studies, we used a multi-step recruitment strategy to assemble a diverse panel of individuals from a range of disciplines relevant to global eye health from all regions globally to participate in a three-round, online, Delphi-like, prioritisation process to nominate and rank challenges in global eye health. Through this process, we developed both global and regional priority lists. Findings Between Sept 1 and Dec 12, 2019, 470 individuals complete round 1 of the process, of whom 336 completed all three rounds (round 2 between Feb 26 and March 18, 2020, and round 3 between April 2 and April 25, 2020) 156 (46%) of 336 were women, 180 (54%) were men. The proportion of participants who worked in each region ranged from 104 (31%) in sub-Saharan Africa to 21 (6%) in central Europe, eastern Europe, and in central Asia. Of 85 unique challenges identified after round 1, 16 challenges were prioritised at the global level; six focused on detection and treatment of conditions (cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, services for children and screening for early detection), two focused on addressing shortages in human resource capacity, five on other health service and policy factors (including strengthening policies, integration, health information systems, and budget allocation), and three on improving access to care and promoting equity. Interpretation This list of Grand Challenges serves as a starting point for immediate action by funders to guide investment in research and innovation in eye health. It challenges researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to build collaborations to address specific challenge