Design and fabrication of a transmission soft x-ray microscope covering a range of tender x-ray

Soft X-ray tomography is primarily utilized for three-dimensional imaging of cells, and numerous experimental stations and applications have been established at synchrotron facilities around the world. However, as research demands evolve, there is an increasing need for imaging larger cells or tissues, which has prompted the extension of this X-ray system to higher energy levels. The soft X-ray tomography endstation was successfully commissioned in 2020. In this paper, we present the design and component development of a soft X-ray microscopy experimental station as it transitions from the soft X-ray to the tender X-ray range. This includes the design and interchange of detectors, as well as the configuration of optical components such as zone plates, order-sorting apertures (OSA), and phase rings. We will also report on the latest design and testing results of the experimental station.