Imaging charge-density-wave domains in 3D using dark field x-ray microscopy

Dark field x-ray microscopy (DFXM) has emerged as a powerful probe of mesoscale structures in ordered materials. It provides real-space images of domains and defects by leveraging intensity contrasts encoded on a Bragg, or a super-lattice (e.g. charge-density wave, magnetic order) peak. In DFXM, an objective lens magnifies a Bragg peak exiting a sample to form a real-space image. Recent progress in cryogenic instrumentation, nano-calorimetry, and detection is discussed, which enabled imaging charge density waves in quantum materials is presented.