Advancing soft X-ray microscopy with diffractive metalenses: Experimental design and initial results

The manuscript describes the preliminary design of a confocal soft X-ray microscope that utilizes microchannel plates (MCPs) as both the condenser and objective. This project funded by the INFN's Vth Committee aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a versatile X-ray microscope based on diffractive metalenses of low cost. The experimental setup includes a customized high-vacuum (HV) chamber with two hexapods manipulators for the precise alignment of the lens. Preliminary data obtained using flat MCPs are also presented. Synchrotron radiation tests have demonstrated the condensing capabilities and dispersive properties of MCPs, highlighting their potential for the manipulation of the radiation beam.