Coherent X-ray scattering and lensless imaging at the European XFEL Facility

High-power coherent X-ray beams produced by future X-ray free-electron lasers are an ideal source for coherent X-ray diffraction imaging of nanoscale condensed matter, materials and biological samples. The scientific case, requirements and the possible realization of the coherent X-ray diffraction imaging experiments at the European XFEL Facility are presented.

Observation of interference effects in coherent diffraction of nanocrystals under X-ray standing-wave illumination

Coherent X-ray diffraction measurements on gold nanocrystals were found to produce novel double diffraction patterns, which are explained in this paper.

Structural properties of `naked' gold nanoparticles formed by synchrotron X-ray irradiation

The formation of colloidal unmodified (`naked') gold nanoparticles is investigated by irradiation of a precursor solution with X-rays from a synchrotron source.

Degree of circular polarization of soft X-rays emitted from a multi-polarization-mode undulator characterized by means of magnetic circular dichroism measurements

The degree of circular polarization of soft X-rays emitted from the multi-polarization-mode undulator of BL17SU at SPring-8 was measured by means of magnetic circular dichroism in core-level X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

A multi-sample automatic system for in situ electrochemical X-ray diffraction synchrotron measurements

A cost-effective in situ synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction method to study ion intercalation into host materials from non-aqueous electrolytes has been developed. The method is based on `coffee bag' electrochemical cells and an automatic sample changer for up to 32 parallel experiments.

In situ high-energy X-ray diffraction study of a bioactive calcium silicate foam immersed in simulated body fluid

An in situ time-resolved high-energy X-ray diffraction study of the structural evolution of a bioactive foamed sol–gel calcia–silica glass when immersed in simulated body fluid at 310 K is reported. The dissolution of the glass and the associated formation of calcium phosphates, and finally of hydroxyapatite, is revealed.

Nitrogen K-edge XANES – an overview of reference compounds used to identify `unknown' organic nitrogen in environmental samples

Nitrogen K-edge XANES spectroscopy has been used to develop a systematic overview on spectral features of all major N functions in soil and environmental samples. This information provides a basis to develop N K-edge XANES to study the molecular composition and ecological functions of previously unidentified N.

Refraction and scattering of X-rays in analyzer-based imaging

Intensity observed in analyzer-based imaging is separated into scattered and non-scattered components using pseudo-Voigtian functions. Maps of attenuation, refraction angle and scattering are presented.

Feasibility of a low-energy X-ray free-electron laser

X-ray free-electron laser facilities under construction are all huge and expensive, consisting of high-energy linear accelerators and long undulators. This paper discusses how small a hard X-ray free-electron laser facility can be.

Windows for small-angle X-ray scattering cryostats

The parasitic scattering from a variety of window materials suitable for X-ray cryostats is characterized using small-angle X-ray scattering.

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