Soft X-ray imaging using CR-39 plastics with AFM readout

Soft X-ray microscopy using CR-39 plastic track detectors was demonstrated with an atomic force microscope (AFM) readout for the first time. A transmission X-ray image of the biological cells was recorded on the CR-39 surface, and revealed as relief after etching process. The resolution of the X-ray imaging is expected to be 100 nm or less, therefore imaging of biological cells is possible at an intracellular structure level. Using this technique, the high resolution image of both biological cells and charged particle tracks can be obtained simultaneously on a CR-39 with the AFM, In boron neutron capture therapy, this new technique provides the information on the distribution of boron compounds and radiation dose by charged particles mapping inside a cell. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.