Angular spectrum simulation of X-ray focusing by Fresnel zone plates

An efficient computing simulation routine has been implemented to model explicitly several types of Fresnel zone plate taking advantage of the circular symmetry. This code was used to evaluate an optimized approach for stacking of two high-resolution Fresnel zone plates.

Optimization of analyzer-based imaging systems for minimal surface absorbed dose

For every analyzer-based imaging system there is a unique system configuration which allows the constituent materials of a sample to be distinguished to a desired statistical certainty for the minimal surface absorbed dose delivered to that object. This value is determined for a sample case and the variables involved are discussed.

Imaging interfacial micro- and nano-bubbles by scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy

Micro- and nano-bubbles were investigated by soft X-ray microscopy.

Electron yield soft X-ray photoabsorption spectroscopy under normal ambient-pressure conditions

Soft X-ray photoabsorption spectroscopy under normal ambient-pressure conditions using electron yield detection was demonstrated. This technique provided unambiguous photoabsorption data for hydrated transition-metal compounds and identified the different chemical states of cobalt ions.

Lift-off protocols for thin films for use in EXAFS experiments

Lift-off protocols for thin films of semiconductor and dielectric materials are presented, allowing the structural properties of condensed matter to be studied with EXAFS with improved accuracy.

Efficient focusing of 8 keV X-rays with multilayer Fresnel zone plates fabricated by atomic layer deposition and focused ion beam milling

The fabrication and performance of multilayer Al₂O₃/Ta₂O₅ Fresnel zone plates in the hard X-ray range and a discussion of possible future developments considering available materials are reported.

Impaired pulmonary blood flow distribution in congestive heart failure assessed using synchrotron radiation microangiography

Synchrotron radiation is utilized to assess both pulmonary vessel density and endothelial function in a Dahl rat model of congestive heart failure with secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Interface characterization of B₄C-based multilayers by X-ray grazing-incidence reflectivity and diffuse scattering

In order to study the properties of key B₄C-based multilayers, X-ray grazing-incidence reflectivity and diffuse scattering were used to characterize multilayer structures synthetically, including information of the thickness, density, interfacial roughness, interdiffusion, surface state and correlation length.

Strikingly dissimilar effect of Mn and Zn dopants imposed on local structural distortion of Ba_0.5K_0.5Fe₂As₂ superconductor

The contrasting impurity effects of Mn and Zn dopants on the critical temperature of optimally doped Ba_0.5K_0.5Fe₂As₂ superconductors have been investigated by Fe and As K-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy.

Synthesis and fading of eighteenth-century Prussian blue pigments: a combined study by spectroscopic and diffractive techniques using laboratory and synchrotron radiation sources

Eighteenth-century preparative methods play a role in the fading of Prussian-blue-containing paint layers because they can lead to the production of nanocrystalline ferrihydrite mixed with Prussian blue.

Multi-use high/low-temperature and pressure compatible portable chamber for in situ grazing-incidence X-ray scattering studies

A multipurpose portable vacuum-compatible chamber designed to carry out grazing-incidence X-ray scattering measurements is described. The main advantage of this chamber design is the wide sample temperature range, which may be varied between 60 and 1000 K, and the wide pressure range, which may be varied between 10⁻¹¹ mbar and 3 bar.

High-spatial-resolution mapping of superhydrophobic cicada wing surface chemistry using infrared microspectroscopy and infrared imaging at two synchrotron beamlines

The surface chemistry of the wings of the Clanger cicada Psaltoda claripennis has been studied using two synchrotron infrared beamlines. A heterogeneous surface distribution of long-chain hydrocarbons has been observed, which can account for this insect wing's previously observed heterogeneous superhydrophobicity, and which will assist in further understanding the structure and function of similar insect wings.

Versatility of a hard X-ray Kirkpatrick–Baez focus characterized by ptychography

A ptychographic characterization of the KB focus in the dedicated nano-imaging setup GINIX at the P10 coherence beamline of the PETRA III synchrotron at HASLYLAB/DESY is reported. Different focal settings are realized via optical filtering and changing the size of the entrance aperture.

Time-resolved X-ray PIV technique for diagnosing opaque biofluid flow with insufficient X-ray fluxes

The temporal resolution of the X-ray particle image velocimetry technique is greatly improved by adopting an image intensifier at beamlines with insufficient X-ray fluxes. Proper digital image processing methods are found to be inevitably useful for improving the image quality and enhancing measurement accuracy.

A reaction cell with sample laser heating for in situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies under environmental conditions

A novel gas cell with a laser heating system has been designed to follow in situ reactions by X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques under atmospheric pressure.

Interference effects in the UV(VUV)-excited luminescence spectroscopy of thin dielectric films

The present work establishes a new numerical technique and corresponding software to model the phenomenon of incident synchrotron radiation interference in the photoluminescence excitation spectra of thin transparent films and to restore the shape of distorted spectra.

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