X-ray vision: Transforming microscopy through advanced imaging techniques

Lab-based X-ray imaging has fundamentally transformed microscopy, offering insights into the intricate micro and nano-scale structures of materials and biological specimens. This article outlines the expansive utility of X-ray imaging, demonstrating its application across a diverse range of disciplines, from materials science to biomedical research. It delves into significant advancements in source and detector technologies, alongside enhancements in data acquisition rates and image processing techniques, which collectively have propelled imaging capabilities forward. This extends to address challenges such as the inherent limitations posed by low-brilliance sources and the complexities in achieving quantitative phase contrast. Crucially, this article highlights the pivotal role of X-ray imaging within the broader spectrum of correlative multimodal microscopy workflows, focussing a spotlight on its indispensable contribution to interdisciplinary scientific research and industrial innovation. Additionally, the critical aspect of sample preparation is discussed, an area often overlooked yet essential for optimising imaging outcomes.