Multi-Lane Mirror for Broadband Applications of the Betatron X-ray Source

A new generation of small-scale ultrafast X-ray sources is rapidly emerging. Laser-driven betatron radiation represents an important class of such ultrafast X-ray sources. With the sources driving towards maturity, many important applications in material and biological sciences are expected to be carried out. While the last decade mainly focused on the optimization of the source properties, the development of such sources into user-oriented beamlines in order to explore the potential applications has recently taken off and is expected to grow rapidly. An important aspect in the realization of such beamlines will be the implementation of proper X-ray optics. Here, we present the design of a multi-lane X-ray mirror as a versatile focusing device covering a wide spectral range of betatron X-rays. The expected photon flux in the focal plane of such optics was also estimated through geometrical simulations.

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NSLS-II MX beamlines FMX for micro-crystallography & AMX for highly automated MX

Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances ◽

10.1107/s2053273314082667 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 70 (a1) ◽

pp. C1733-C1733

Author(s):

Martin Fuchs ◽

Robert Sweet ◽

Lonny Berman ◽

Dileep Bhogadi ◽

Wayne Hendrickson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Range ◽

Structure Determination ◽

Optical Systems ◽

Photon Flux ◽

X Rays ◽

Macromolecular Crystallography ◽

Binding Studies ◽

X Ray ◽

Array Detectors ◽

Broad Energy Range

We present the final design of the x-ray optical systems and experimental stations of the two macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines, FMX and AMX, at the National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II). Along with its companion x-ray scattering beamline, LIX, this suite of Advanced Beamlines for Biological Investigations with X-rays (ABBIX, [1]) will begin user operation in 2016. The pair of MX beamlines with complementary and overlapping capabilities is located at canted undulators (IVU21) in sector 17-ID. The Frontier Microfocusing Macromolecular Crystallography beamline (FMX) will deliver a photon flux of ~5x10^12 ph/s at a wavelength of 1 Å into a spot of 1 - 50 µm size. It will cover a broad energy range from 5 - 30 keV, corresponding to wavelengths from 0.4 - 2.5 Å. The highly Automated Macromolecular Crystallography beamline (AMX) will be optimized for high throughput applications, with beam sizes from 4 - 100 µm, an energy range of 5 - 18 keV (0.7 - 2.5 Å), and a flux at 1 Å of ~10^13 ph/s. Central components of the in-house-developed experimental stations are a 100 nm sphere of confusion goniometer with a horizontal axis, piezo-slits to provide dynamic beam size changes during diffraction experiments, a dedicated secondary goniometer for crystallization plates, and sample- and plate-changing robots. FMX and AMX will support a broad range of biomedical structure determination methods from serial crystallography on micron-sized crystals, to structure determination of complexes in large unit cells, to rapid sample screening and data collection of crystals in trays, for instance to characterize membrane protein crystals and to conduct ligand-binding studies. Together with the solution scattering program at LIX, the new beamlines will offer unique opportunities for advanced diffraction experiments with micro- and mini-beams, with next generation hybrid pixel array detectors and emerging crystal delivery methods such as acoustic droplet ejection. This work is supported by the US National Institutes of Health.

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A new high-resolution small-angle X-ray scattering apparatus using a fine-focus rotating anode, point-focusing collimation and a position-sensitive proportional counter

Journal of Applied Crystallography ◽

10.1107/s0021889884011614 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 17 (5) ◽

pp. 337-343 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

O. Yoda

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Small Angle ◽

Proportional Counter ◽

Anisotropic Scattering ◽

Photon Flux ◽

X Rays ◽

X Ray ◽

X Ray Scattering ◽

Position Sensitive ◽

Ray Scattering

A high-resolution small-angle X-ray scattering camera has been built, which has the following features. (i) The point collimation optics employed allows the scattering cross section of the sample to be directly measured without corrections for desmearing. (ii) A small-angle resolution better than 0.5 mrad is achieved with a camera length of 1.6 m. (iii) A high photon flux of 0.9 photons μs−1 is obtained on the sample with the rotating-anode X-ray generator operated at 40 kV–30 mA. (iv) Incident X-rays are monochromated by a bent quartz crystal, which makes the determination of the incident X-ray intensity simple and unambiguous. (v) By rotation of the position-sensitive proportional counter around the direct beam, anisotropic scattering patterns can be observed without adjusting the sample. Details of the design and performance are presented with some applications.

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Using X-Rays to Probe the Compact Binary Content of Globular Clusters

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s0252921100151978 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 194 ◽

pp. 75-76

Author(s):

N. A. Webb ◽

B. Gendre ◽

D. Barret

Keyword(s):

Globular Clusters ◽

Cataclysmic Variables ◽

Close Binaries ◽

X Rays ◽

X Ray ◽

Compact Binaries ◽

Compact Binary ◽

Low Mass ◽

Evolutionary Paths ◽

New Generation

AbstractGlobular clusters (GCs) harbour a large number of close binaries which are hard to identify optically due to high stellar densities. Observing these GCs in X-rays, in which the compact binaries are bright, diminishes the over-crowding problem. Using the new generation of X-ray observatories, it is possible to identify populations of neutron star low mass X-ray binaries, cataclysmic variables and millisecond pulsars as well as other types of binaries. We present the spectra of a variety of binaries that we have identified in four GCs observed by XMM-Newton. We show that through population studies we can begin to understand the formation of individual classes of binaries in GCs and hence start to unfold the complex evolutionary paths of these systems.

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Micromachining in Plastics Using X-Ray Lithography for the Fabrication of Micro-Electrophoresis Devices

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.2798035 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 121 (1) ◽

pp. 13-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

S. M. Ford ◽

J. Davies ◽

B. Kar ◽

S. D. Qi ◽

S. McWhorter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fiber Optic ◽

Rapid Analysis ◽

The Other ◽

Sample Introduction ◽

Uv Exposure ◽

X Rays ◽

Pmma Substrate ◽

X Ray ◽

Positive Photoresist ◽

Potential Applications

Micromachining was performed in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using X-ray lithography for the fabrication of miniaturized devices (microchips) for potential applications in chemical and genetic analyses. The devices were fabricated using two different techniques: transfer mask technology and a Kapton® mask. For both processes, the channel topography was transferred (1:1) to the appropriate substrate via the use of an optical mask. In the case of the transfer mask technique, the PMMA substrate was coated with a positive photoresist and a thin Au/Cr plating base. Following UV exposure, the resist was developed and a thick overlayer (∼3 μm) of Au electroplated onto the PMMA substrate only where the resist was removed, which acted as an absorber of the X-rays. In the other technique, a Kapton® film was used as the X-ray mask. In this case, the Kapton® film was UV exposed using the optical mask to define the channel topography and following development of the resist, a thick Au overlayer (8 μm) was electrodeposited onto the Kapton® sheet. The PMMA wafer during X-ray exposure was situated directly underneath the Kapton® mask. In both cases, the PMMA wafer was exposed to soft X-rays and developed to remove the exposed PMMA. The resulting channels were found to be 20 μm in width (determined by optical mask) with channel depths of ∼50 μm (determined by x-ray exposure time). In order to demonstrate the utility of this micromachining process, several components were fabricated in PMMA including capillary/chip connectors, injectors for fixed-volume sample introduction, separation channels for electrophoresis and integrated fiber optic fluorescence detectors. These components could be integrated into a single device to assemble a system appropriate for the rapid analysis of various targets.

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Experimental and numerical study of ultra-short laser-produced collimated Cu Kα X-ray source

Laser and Particle Beams ◽

10.1017/s026303461700043x ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 442-449 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

R. Rathore ◽

V. Arora ◽

H. Singhal ◽

T. Mandal ◽

J.A. Chakera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Laser Intensity ◽

Numerical Study ◽

Low Cost ◽

Laser Pulses ◽

Photon Flux ◽

X Rays ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Time Resolved ◽

X Ray ◽

Short Laser Pulses

AbstractKα X-ray sources generated from the interaction of ultra-short laser pulses with solids are compact and low-cost source of ultra-short quasi-monochromatic X-rays compared with synchrotron radiation source. Development of collimated ultra-short Kα X-ray source by the interaction of 45 fs Ti:sapphire laser pulse with Cu wire target is presented in this paper. A study of the Kα source with laser parameters such as energy and pulse duration was carried out. The observed Kα X-ray photon flux was ~2.7 × 108 photons/shot at the laser intensity of ~2.8 × 1017 W cm−2. A model was developed to analyze the observed results. The Kα radiation was coupled to a polycapillary collimator to generate a collimated low divergence (0.8 mrad) X-ray beam. Such sources are useful for time-resolved X-ray diffraction and imaging studies.

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The methods used for the diagnosis and evaluation of scoliosis

Timisoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal ◽

10.1515/tperj-2016-0013 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (17) ◽

pp. 36-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ana-Maria Vutan ◽

Erwin-Christian Lovasz ◽

Mihaela Amarandei ◽

Valentin Ciupe

Keyword(s):

Three Dimensional ◽

Growth Period ◽

Small Scale ◽

X Rays ◽

Hematopoietic Tissue ◽

X Ray ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Three Dimensional Mapping ◽

Clinical Control

Abstract In recent years there multiple studies have been carried out on early diagnosis of scoliosis on school and preschool children. The diagnosis and evaluation of scoliosis is done by carrying out X-rays. A protocol is implemented for tracking the evolution of a scoliosis which involves both clinical control and imaging (X-ray) every 6 months, until the end of the growth period of the child. Because investigations such as X-ray and CT, can have harmful effects on the child's growing body (recent studies have shown that X-ray affects the skin, eyes, hematopoietic tissue, gonads and may cause cancer), new methods for diagnosing and tracking the evolution in time were researched. The present paper tries to present the current methods used in the diagnosis and assessment of scoliosis evolution in time, pointing out the main advantages and disadvantages of each method. There are a few methods developed in recent years in Germany by Zebris Medical Gmbh (using mapping with ultrasonic digital equipment), in Canada by InSpeck (using three-dimensional mapping through digital image acquisition) but used on a small scale. The newly developed methods have the advantage of being non-invasive, painless, non-irradiating and they can be used regardless of health status or gender. Although medical technology has developed very rapidly in recent years, radiology remains the most common method of investigation used for scoliosis. Certainly, in the near future the methods presented in this paper could be used more widely, for the benefits arising from their use.

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Outstanding Nobility Observed in Cu5 Clusters Reveals the Key Role of Collective Quantum Effects

10.26434/chemrxiv.13661081.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

David Buceta ◽

Shahana Huseyinova ◽

Miguel Cuerva ◽

Héctor Lozano ◽

Lisandro J. Giovanetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Metal Clusters ◽

Bulk Material ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Quantum Effects ◽

High Concentration ◽

X Ray ◽

Potential Applications ◽

New Generation

Subnanometer-sized metal clusters often feature a molecule-like electronic structure, which makes their physical and chemical properties significantly different from those of nanoparticles and bulk material. Considering potential applications, there is a major concern about their thermal stability and susceptibility towards oxidation. Cu clusters of only 5 atoms (Cu5 clusters) are first synthesized in high concentration using a new-generation wet chemical method. Next, it is shown that, contrary to what is currently assumed, Cu5 clusters display nobility, beyond resistance to irreversible oxidation, at a broad range of temperatures and oxygen pressures. The outstanding nobility arises from an unusual reversible oxidation which is observed by in situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy on Cu5 clusters deposited onto highly oriented pyrolitic graphite at different oxygen pressures and up to 773 K. This atypical property is explained by a theoretical approach combining different state-of-the-art first principles theories. It reveals the essential role of collective quantum effects in the physical mechanism responsible for the nobility of Cu5 clusters, encompassing a structural ‘breathing’ through concerted Cu–Cu elongations/contractions upon O2 uptake/release, and collective charge transfer as well. A predictive phase diagram of their reversible oxidation states is also delivered, agreeing with the experimental observations. The collective quantum effects responsible of the observed nobility are expected to be general in subnanometer-sized metal clusters, pushing this new generation of materials to an upper level.

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PROXIMA 2A: A New Micro-focus Beamline for Macromolecular Crystallography

Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances ◽

10.1107/s2053273314083272 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 70 (a1) ◽

pp. C1672-C1672

Author(s):

Denis Duran ◽

Sebastien Le Couster ◽

Gavin Fox ◽

Roger Fourme ◽

Rob Meijers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Protein Structures ◽

Photon Flux ◽

First Year ◽

X Rays ◽

Macromolecular Crystallography ◽

Fluorescence Detector ◽

Beam Position ◽

X Ray ◽

Area Detector

PROXIMA 2A is a new micro-focus and energy tunable beamline dedicated to biological macromolecular crystallography at Synchrotron SOLEIL. The beamline officially opened in March 2013, and its first year of user operation has yielded excellent results. The X-ray source is a powerful in-vacuum U24 undulator coupled to a cryo-cooled Si[111] channel-cut monochromator and a pair of focussing bimorph mirrors in Kirpatrick-Baez configuration. This combination delivers a photon flux of over 10**12 ph/s into a focal spot of 10 μm × 5 μm (H×V FWHM), which is tunable over 6 – 15 keV. The supports of the optical elements have been designed to minimise the effects of vibrations and thermal dilations on the X-ray beam position, which is stable to within 5 microns over a day. The experimental station consists of a high performance micro-diffractometer, a cryostream, an area detector (ADSC Q315r), and an X-ray fluorescence detector. The X-ray energies for MAD experiments are directly calibrated on the sample. A robot equipped with a large 9 uni-puck dewar (CATS Irelec) is available to users for the automated transfer and screening of cryo-cooled samples. The users launch their experiments via an MXCuBE interface [1], which permits the centering of the sample, collecting of diffraction images, recording of X-ray spectra and the transfer of samples. The X-ray diffraction data are of an excellent quality, and the users readily exploit the micro-focused X-rays to select the best zones of their crystals. The first year of results from users has yielded a variety of success stories including novel protein structures resolved from crystals as small as 5 microns, as well as those solved by SAD & MAD methods. The future perspectives include automated helical and grid scans, in situ plate screening and multi-crystal merging techniques.

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LSI +61°303: A Pulsar Wind Nebula in a Binary?

Symposium - International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s0074180900181021 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 218 ◽

pp. 219-220

Author(s):

D. A. Leahy

Keyword(s):

Radio Emission ◽

Gamma Rays ◽

Confining Pressure ◽

Rapid Expansion ◽

Photon Flux ◽

Relativistic Electrons ◽

X Rays ◽

X Ray ◽

Inverse Compton ◽

Pulsar Wind

LSI +61°303 outbursts are modeled as a pulsar wind nebula expanding inside the environment provided by the Be companion star's stellar wind and photon flux. A set of equations describing the system is developed and solved numerically for representative sets of parameters. Emission in X-rays through gamma-rays is due to inverse Compton emission from relativistic electrons around the pulsar. The radio emission is due to synchrotron emission of varying optical depth, which yields a varying spectral index. The peak of X-ray emission is near periastron and the peak of the radio emission is near apastron, due to reduced confining pressure on the relativistic electron cloud and its subsequent rapid expansion.

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Black hole magnetosphere with small-scale flux tubes – II. Stability and dynamics

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/stz1599 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 487 (3) ◽

pp. 4114-4127 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Yajie Yuan ◽

Anatoly Spitkovsky ◽

Roger D Blandford ◽

Dan R Wilkins

Keyword(s):

Black Hole ◽

Compact Star ◽

Dynamical Evolution ◽

Compact Object ◽

Accretion Disc ◽

Small Scale ◽

X Rays ◽

Flux Tubes ◽

X Ray ◽

Central Object

ABSTRACT In some Seyfert galaxies, the hard X-rays that produce fluorescent emission lines are thought to be generated in a hot corona that is compact and located at only a few gravitational radii above the supermassive black hole. We consider the possibility that this X-ray source may be powered by small-scale magnetic flux tubes attached to the accretion disc near the black hole. We use three-dimensional, time-dependent, special relativistic, force-free simulations in a simplified setting to study the dynamics of such flux tubes as they get continuously twisted by the central compact star/black hole. We find that the dynamical evolution of the flux tubes connecting the central compact object and the accretion disc is strongly influenced by the confinement of the surrounding field. Although differential rotation between the central object and the disc tends to inflate the flux tubes, strong confinement from surrounding field quenches the formation of a jet-like outflow, as the inflated flux tube becomes kink unstable and dissipates most of the extracted rotational energy relatively close to the central object. Such a process may be able to heat up the plasma and produce strong X-ray emission. We estimate the energy dissipation rate and discuss its astrophysical implications.

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