Soft X-ray contact microscopy (SXCM) experiments have been performed
using the Prague Asterix Iodine Laser System (PALS). Laser wavelength
and pulse duration were λ = 1.314 μm and τ (FWHM) = 450 ps,
respectively. Pulsed X rays were generated using teflon, gold, and
molybdenum targets with laser intensities I ≥
1014 W/cm2. Experiments have been performed
on the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans. Images were recorded
on PMMA photo resists and analyzed using an atomic force microscope
operating in contact mode. Our preliminary results indicate the
suitability of the SXCM for multicellular specimens.
