Developments in sample environment for a scanning transmission X-ray microscope at UVSOR-III synchrotron

The beamline, BL4U, in UVSOR-III Synchrotron is dedicated to scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) based on 2-dimensional soft X-ray absorption and has been in operation since 2013, to enable both academic and industrial users to carry out advanced chemical analysis under various sample environments. In this paper, we have summarized our major developments for the last decade; especially, expansion of the photon energy range down to the Li K-edge (55 eV), sample cryo-cooling to reduce radiation damage, 3-dimensional computer tomography, and air-free sample transfer. •Lithium K absorption edge around 55 eV is available for STXM by reducing higher order harmonics.•Cryo-cooling setup is developed to reduce X-ray radiation damage to samples.•By using computer tomography, 3-dimensional X-ray absorption spectroscopy of an isolated cell nucleus was performed.•Air-free sample transfer system is developed for samples which are highly reactive with oxygen or water.