X-ray microscopy: methods and perspectives

Different applications of x-ray microscopy in the field of biology and material science are presented. The high penetration power of x-rays through matter and the relatively high spatial resolution play a significant role in its application into many fields. It is a powerful method that has the ability to investigate whole cells in their aqueous media avoiding potential artifacts induced by dehydration or fixation. Its potential as a non-destructive technique for physical failure analysis and into electromigration mechanism in semiconductor industry. With the development of Free electron Laser (FEL), x-ray imaging techniques is expected to allow time-resolved experiments with high energy and spatial resolution.