CC BY 3.0 UnportedKirian, R. A.Awel, S.Eckerskorn, N.Fleckenstein, H.Wiedorn, M.Adriano, L.Bajt, S.Barthelmess, M.Bean, R.Beyerlein, K. R.Chavas, L. M. G.Domaracky, M.Heymann, M.Horke, D. A.Knoska, J.Metz, M.Morgan, A.Oberthuer, D.Roth, N.Sato, T.Xavier, P. L.Yefanov, O.Rode, A. V.Küpper, J.Chapman, H. N.2025-02-272025-02-272015https://oa.tib.eu/renate/handle/123456789/18655https://doi.org/10.34657/17674A major challenge in high-resolution x-ray free-electron laser-based coherent diffractive imaging is the development of aerosol injectors that can efficiently deliver particles to the peak intensity of the focused X-ray beam. Here, we consider the use of a simple convergent-orifice nozzle for producing tightly focused beams of particles. Through optical imaging we show that 0.5 μm particles can be focused to a full-width at half maximum diameter of 4.2 μm, and we demonstrate the use of such a nozzle for injecting viruses into a micro-focused soft-X-ray FEL beam.enghttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0530500AerosolsElectronsFree electron lasersNozzlesVirusesCoherent diffractive imagingConvergent nozzlesDiffractive imagingHigh resolutionOptical imagingOrifice nozzleSingle particleX-ray free electron lasersX raysArticle