Radiographic imaging of insects using a copper x-pinch plasma backlighting source

The use of copper x-pinch plasmas as backlighting source for radiographing insects is described. The experiments use 4x 25 mu m Cu wires driven by a similar to 400kA, similar to 350ns current pulse to produce a localized source of soft x-rays in the micrometer range. Both source size and energy range of the x-rays photons produced by the x-pinch enable the imaging of low contrast objects such as the rich inner structures of insects with excellent spatial resolution. The technique is used in three different insects: a moth, a fly and a beetle. These radiographies allow clear observation of the details of outer (e.g., wings) and internal systems of the insects. A description of the method and ways to improve the quality of the radiographs are shown and discussed.