Optimizing the energy bandwidth for transmission full-field X-ray microscopy experiments

Full-field transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) is a very potent high-resolution X-ray imaging technique. However, it is challenging to achieve fast acquisitions because of the limited efficiency of the optics. Using a broader energy bandwidth, for example using a multilayer monochromator, directly increases the flux in the experiment. The advantage of more counts needs to be weighed against a deterioration in achievable resolution because focusing optics show chromatic aberrations. This study presents theoretical considerations of how much the resolution is affected by an increase in bandwidth as well as measurements at different energy bandwidths (ΔE/E = 0.013%, 0.27%, 0.63%) and the impact on achievable resolution. It is shown that using a multilayer monochromator instead of a classical silicon double-crystal monochromator can increase the flux by an order of magnitude with only a limited effect on the resolution.

A simple method for mitigating error in the fixed-offset of a double-crystal monochromator

In order to maintain a constant monochromatic synchrotron X-ray beam height for all energies, the separation between the crystals of a double-crystal monochromator is typically adjusted, via translation of the second crystal, while X-ray energy is varied, via rotation of the crystal pair. The ability to accurately translate the second crystal requires precise knowledge of the separation between the two crystals and, when present, crystal miscuts. Here, a simple method for calibrating the crystal gap from measured variation in the X-ray beam height that eliminates error in the fixed beam offset is provided.

Crystal structure of posnjakite formed in the first crystal water-cooling line of the ANSTO Melbourne Australian Synchrotron MX1 Double Crystal Monochromator

Exceptionally large crystals of posnjakite, Cu4SO4(OH)6(H2O), formed during corrosion of a Swagelock(tm) Snubber copper gasket within the MX1 beamline at the ANSTO-Melbourne, Australian Synchrotron. The crystal structure was solved using synchrotron radiation to R 1 = 0.029 and revealed a structure based upon [Cu4(OH)6(H2O)O] sheets, which contain Jahn–Teller-distorted Cu octahedra. The sulfate tetrahedra are bonded to one side of the sheet via corner sharing and linked to successive sheets via extensive hydrogen bonds. The sulfate tetrahedra are split and rotated, which enables additional hydrogen bonds.

A middle energy-bandwidth X-ray monochromator for high-flux synchrotron diffraction: revisiting asymmetrically cut silicon crystals

To supply the growing demand for high photon flux in synchrotron science including surface diffraction, a middle energy-bandwidth monochromator covering the 10−4 to 10−3 range has been adapted by applying an asymmetric diffraction geometry to a cryogenically cooled silicon 111 double-crystal monochromator used as a standard for the undulator source at SPring-8. The asymmetric geometry provides a great advantage with its ability to configure flux gains over a wide energy range by simply changing the asymmetry angle, while the angular divergence of the exit beam remains unchanged. A monolithic design with three faces has been employed, having one symmetrically cut and another two asymmetrically cut surfaces relative to the same atomic plane, maintaining cooling efficiency and the capability of quickly changing the reflection surface. With the asymmetric geometry, an X-ray flux greater than 1014 photons s−1 was available around 12 keV. A maximum gain of 2.5 was obtained relative to the standard symmetric condition.

The characteristic radiation of copper Kα1,2,3,4

A characterization of the Cu Kα1,2 spectrum is presented, including the 2p satellite line, Kα3,4, the details of which are robust enough to be transferable to other experiments. This is a step in the renewed attempts to resolve inconsistencies in characteristic X-ray spectra between theory, experiment and alternative experimental geometries. The spectrum was measured using a rotating anode, monolithic Si channel-cut double-crystal monochromator and backgammon detector. Three alternative approaches fitted five Voigt profiles to the data: a residual analysis approach; a peak-by-peak fit; and a simultaneous constrained method. The robustness of the fit is displayed across three spectra obtained with different instrumental broadening. Spectra were not well fitted by transfer of any of three prior characterizations from the literature. Integrated intensities, line widths and centroids are compared with previous empirical fits. The novel experimental setup provides insight into the portability of spectral characterizations of X-ray spectra. From the parameterization, an estimated 3d shake probability of 18% and a 2p shake probability of 0.5% are reported.

Dispersive double bent crystal monochromators Si(111) + Si(311) and Si(111) + Si(400) with a strongly asymmetric diffraction geometry of the analyzer for powder diffractometry

In this paper, some results of neutron diffraction properties of the dispersive double-crystal Si(111) + Si(311) and Si(111) + Si(400) monochromator settings containing two bent perfect crystals but with the second one – analyzer in the strongly asymmetric diffraction geometry, are presented. For the sake of possible applications, both double crystal settings were tested in the orientation of the second crystal for the output beam compression geometry. Powder diffraction test was carried out on a α-Fe(211) pin of the diameter of 2 mm. Contrary to the Si(111) + Si(400) setting, an excellent resolution represented by full width at half maximum in the (Δd/d)-scale was obtained for the Si(111) + Si(311) double crystal monochromator in the parallel as well as in the antiparallel diffraction geometry.