Calculation of effective pump dose in X-ray-pump/X-ray-probe experiments

A scheme is proposed to calculate an effective fluence of a spatially non-uniform pump pulse such that the observable of interest calculated with the effective fluence is very close to the volume-integrated observable. This approach simplifies computational simulations of X-ray irradiated solids.

Gamma-ray spectra and absorbed doses measured at EuXFEL undulator system

The origin and composition of the stray radiation at the EuXFEL undulator system are investigated. This is essential for machine protection, as the stray radiation can damage the undulator permanent magnets as well as the correction and diagnostic equipment along the beamline.

Heavy-element damage seeding in proteins under XFEL illumination

Plasma simulations with detailed modeling of unbound electron dynamics predict that heavy elements contribute significantly to radiation damage suffered by proteins in serial femtosecond crystallography. New methods to mitigate radiation damage in this regime are highlighted.

Conceptual design of the energy-switchable storage ring as a high-brilliance light source over a wide wavelength range

The concept of the energy-switchable storage ring, designed for wide-wavelength range applications and efficient power consumption, is presented.

Measurements of source emittance and beam coherence properties of the upgraded Advanced Photon Source

This study presents source emittance and beam coherence measurements at the upgraded Advanced Photon Source using grating interferometry. The results confirm world-record emittance values, validate design parameters, and offer key insights into coherence preservation and beamline optimization.

Evolution of macromolecular crystallography beamlines at the Swiss Light Source and SwissFEL

This review examines two decades of continuous development in macromolecular crystallography beamlines at the Swiss Light Source, along with recent contributions from SwissFEL, in the broader context of the evolution of macromolecular crystallography at synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser facilities.

Optical kicking of liquid droplets for sample delivery in ultrafast soft X-ray experiments

Optical force-based control of liquid micro-droplets in vacuum enables precise, low-waste sample delivery for ultrafast soft X-ray experiments.

Fabrication and characterization of a full-size ultra-precise lamellar grating for the Cosmic beamline at ALS-U

Nanofabrication enables extremely precise and highly efficient variable line spacing diffraction gratings for X-rays.

An X-ray beamline for utilizing intense, high-energy undulator radiation

The design, development and performance of an X-ray beamline for utilizing intense, high-energy undulator radiation are presented.

Multimodal hard X-ray nanoprobe techniques for operando investigations of photovoltaic devices

X-ray beam-induced current (XBIC) measurements were implemented on the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe at Diamond Light Source, allowing simultaneous XBIC and nano X-ray fluorescence mapping of photovoltaic devices.

Achieving nanosecond time resolution with a two-dimensional X-ray detector

A proof-of-principle of a nanosecond time-resolved experiment is demonstrated using a TEMPUS detector. The concept exploits an event driven mode of the detector and cross-correlation analysis to overcome pixel dead time, and offers new opportunities for time-resolved studies.

A low-background setup for in situ X-ray total scattering combined with fast scanning calorimetry

A setup enabling in situ X-ray total scattering combined with fast scanning calorimetry is demonstrated at beamline ID15A of the ESRF, allowing for the retrieval of detailed structural evolution with changes in thermodynamic conditions.

A high throughput and micrometre spatial resolution design for a versatile resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectrometer

A versatile resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectrometer seamlessly switches between high throughput and broad spatial-resolution modes: (i) the high throughput mode enhances signal intensity threefold while achieving 2.7 µm resolution within a 16 µm range; (ii) the broad spatial-resolution mode achieves entire optical footprint resolution at the expense of throughput. This innovative system, featuring a resolving power exceeding 12000, is poised to enhance experimental capabilities in energy materials research.

A new framework for X-ray absorption spectroscopy data analysis based on machine learning: XASDAML

We introduce XASDAML, an open-source machine-learning framework that integrates the complete X-ray absorption spectroscopy analytical workflow, enabling efficient extraction of spectral and structural descriptors and rapid prediction of structural parameters. Demonstrated through a copper system, the framework significantly streamlines X-ray absorption spectroscopy data analysis and enhances model accuracy and interpretability, facilitating deeper insight into materials characterization.

Crystal-field splitting strength of U-6d orbitals in NaUO₃, KUO₃ and RbUO₃

High-energy resolved fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the uranium L₃ edge and relativistic quantum chemistry calculations are combined to study in detail the uranium valence electronic structure in NaUO₃, KUO₃ and RbUO₃. The impact of the structural distortion of the oxygen octahedra around uranium on the contribution of uranium and oxygen states in observed spectral features is discussed.

XASDB: a new database of experimental interactive X-ray absorption spectra

A comprehensive database for experimental X-ray absorption spectroscopy data is presented. This integrated and user-friendly platform combines spectrum visualization, raw data processing, spectrum matching and downloading.

Design and application of an electrochemical cell for operando X-ray diffraction and absorption studies for electrocatalysts

An innovative electrochemical cell is introduced, optimized for in situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of electrocatalysts, featuring an adjustable aqueous electrolyte window to minimize X-ray absorption and a flow system for efficient gas product removal during operando testing.

Compression–tension cell with sample manipulator for in situ X-ray nanotomography experiments

An environmental cell with fluid flow-through capability for performing in situ nano-mechanical experiments at X-ray nanotomography beamlines and a sample manipulator for mounting nanotomography samples are described.

Eikonal Phase Retrieval: unleashing the potential of fourth-generation sources for enhanced propagation-based tomography on biological samples

A new iterative phase retrieval algorithm, Eikonal Phase Retrieval, tackles large phase gradients and yields higher-quality propagation-based X-ray tomography of strongly heterogeneous biological samples.

X-ray fluorescence holography under high-pressure conditions

This study demonstrates the first application and feasibility of X-ray fluorescence holography under high-pressure conditions.

Arbitrary thickness profile metrology of low-Z and monolithic material components with a single X-ray projection

A thickness metrology method based on X-ray phase contrast imaging is proposed. By precisely retrieving the phase shift of X-rays passing through the sample, high-precision arbitrary thickness profile measurement can be achieved with a single X-ray projection. A measurement case of a microlens array is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method.

3DMPR – a robust morphological approach for applying phase retrieval in proximity to highly attenuating objects in computed tomography

Application of 3D phase retrieval in a multi-step, masking framework allows for strong phase retrieval to be applied near highly attenuating materials without compromising spatial resolution. Demonstrations in brain computed tomography imaging show up to a 6.8-fold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over standard phase retrieval processes, further broadening its dose-reduction potential in potential clinical applications.

The 10 m collimated Rowland spectrometer at the MAX IV Veritas beamline

The design and performance of a soft X-ray RIXS instrument at the Veritas beamline at the MAX IV laboratory in Lund, Sweden, are presented.

Characterization of grating monochromator performance based on start-to-end FEL pulse propagation method

A start-to-end FEL pulse propagation method has been developed to evaluate grating monochromator performance, quantifying the impacts of longitudinal source jitter, finite-aperture diffraction, and thermal deformation on resolving power, thereby offering realistic guidance for FEL beamline design and optimization.

Design and implementation of a climate chamber for moisture sensitive nanotomography of biological samples

Design and implementation of an in situ climate chamber for nanotomography allowing the analysis of moisture sensitive specimens at different relative humidity and temperature settings at the nanotomography imaging station of beamline P05 (operated by Hereon, at the PETRA III storage ring, DESY, Germany).

Towards a new vision of PaNET: enhancing reasoning capabilities for better photon and neutron data discovery

This evolution of PaNET builds on the initial foundational work, which established the infrastructure and incorporated domain expert knowledge, by introducing logical frameworks that provide enhanced reasoning capabilities, and is proposed to address the limitations of the current version of the ontology. This under-the-hood development has resulted in a more complete and robust knowledge representation system for use in data catalogue services within the photon and neutron community.

FoamQuant: a Python package for time-resolved 3D image qu­antification of cellular materials

FoamQuant is an open-source Python package for analyzing large time-resolved three-dimensional datasets of foam-like cellular materials, enabling automated extraction of structural and mechanical parameters over time. It is demonstrated through case studies on plastic event orientation in flowing foam and bubble tracking in coarsening albumin foam.