High resolution absorption spectroscopy of exploding wire plasmas using an x-pinch x-ray source and spherically bent crystal

We present here the use of absorption spectroscopy of the continuum radiation from x-pinch-produced point x-ray sources as a diagnostic to investigate the properties of aluminum plasmas created by pulsed power machines. This technique is being developed to determine the charge state, temperature, and density as a function of time and space under conditions that are inaccessible to x-ray emission spectroscopic diagnostics. The apparatus and its characterization are described, and the spectrometer dispersion, magnification, and resolution are calculated and compared with experimental results. Spectral resolution of about 5000 and spatial resolution of about 20 μm are demonstrated. This spectral resolution is the highest available to date in an absorption experiment. The beneficial properties of the x-pinch x-ray source as the backlighter for this diagnostic are the small source size (<5 μm), smooth continuum radiation, and short pulse duration (<0.1 ns). Results from a closely spaced (1 mm) exploding wire pair are shown and the general features are discussed.     

Spectroscopy of betatron radiation emitted from laser-produced wakefield accelerated electrons

X-ray betatron radiation is produced by oscillations of electrons in the intense focusing field of a laser-plasma accelerator. These hard x-rays show promise for use in femtosecond-scale time-resolved radiography of ultrafast processes. However, the spectral characteristics of betatron radiation have only been inferred from filter pack measurements. In order to achieve higher resolution spectral information about the betatron emission, we used an x-ray charge-coupled device to record the spectrum of betatron radiation, with a full width at half maximum resolution of 225 eV. In addition, we have recorded simultaneous electron and x-ray spectra along with x-ray images that allow for a determination of the betatron emission source size, as well as differences in the x-ray spectra as a function of the energy spectrum of accelerated electrons.     

Normalization schemes for ultrafast x-ray diffraction using a table-top laser-driven plasma source

We present an experimental setup of a laser-driven x-ray plasma source for femtosecond x-ray diffraction. Different normalization schemes accounting for x-ray source intensity fluctuations are discussed in detail. We apply these schemes to measure the temporal evolution of Bragg peak intensities of perovskite superlattices after ultrafast laser excitation.     

Note: Continuing improvements on the novel flat-response x-ray detector

This note describes multi-updates of the novel flat-response x-ray detector in fabrication technology, experimental application, and data uncertainty evaluation. Unlike the previous design, the compound filter is combined into one piece through an improved fabrication process that greatly enhanced its self-supporting capability. A method of pinhole-array imaging is introduced into the experimental application process to stop any debris from the hohlraum and to uniformly reduce the radiation flux. The experimental results show that this method works well. Furthermore, a method of uncertainty evaluation of the radiation flux measurement by the novel flat-response x-ray detector has been developed. The influence of the radiation spectrum to the flux measurement is analyzed. The evaluation shows that the relative uncertainty of the radiation flux is about 10% in higher radiation temperature condition (Tr > 150 eV) and 16% in lower radiation temperature condition (Tr < 100 eV).     

Note: Studies on x-ray production in electron cyclotron resonance x-ray source based on ridged cylindrical cavity

A ridged cylindrical cavity has been designed using MICROWAVE STUDIO programme and it is used in the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) x-ray source. The experimental parameters of the source are optimized for maximizing the x-ray output, and an x-ray dose rate of ～1000 μSv∕h was observed at 20 cm from the port, for 500 W of microwave power without using any target. With the molybdenum target located at optimum position of the ridged cavity, the dose rate is found to be increased only by 10%. In order to understand the experimental observation, the electric field pattern of the cavity with the target placed at various radial distances is studied. In this note, the experimental and theoretical studies on ECR x-ray source using the ridged cylindrical cavity are presented.     

Combining scanning tunneling microscopy and synchrotron radiation for high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy with chemical, electronic, and magnetic contrast

The combination of high-brilliance synchrotron radiation with scanning tunneling microscopy opens the path to high-resolution imaging with chemical, electronic, and magnetic contrast. Here, the design and experimental results of an in-situ synchrotron enhanced x-ray scanning tunneling microscope (SXSTM) system are presented. The system is designed to allow monochromatic synchrotron radiation to enter the chamber, illuminating the sample with x-ray radiation, while an insulator-coated tip (metallic tip apex open for tunneling, electron collection) is scanned over the surface. A unique feature of the SXSTM is the STM mount assembly, designed with a two free-flex pivot, providing an angular degree of freedom for the alignment of the tip and sample with respect to the incoming x-ray beam. The system designed successfully demonstrates the ability to resolve atomic-scale corrugations. In addition, experiments with synchrotron x-ray radiation validate the SXSTM system as an accurate analysis technique for the study of local magnetic and chemical properties on sample surfaces. The SXSTM system's capabilities have the potential to broaden and deepen the general understanding of surface phenomena by adding elemental contrast to the high-resolution of STM.     

Time-resolved soft x-ray absorption setup using multi-bunch operation modes at synchrotrons

Here, we report on a novel experimental apparatus for performing time-resolved soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy in the sub-ns time scale using non-hybrid multi-bunch mode synchrotron radiation. The present setup is based on a variable repetition rate Ti:sapphire laser (pump pulse) synchronized with the ~500 MHz x-ray synchrotron radiation bunches and on a detection system that discriminates and singles out the significant x-ray photon pulses by means of a custom made photon counting unit. The whole setup has been validated by measuring the time evolution of the L(3) absorption edge during the melting and the solidification of a Ge single crystal irradiated by an intense ultrafast laser pulse. These results pave the way for performing synchrotron time-resolved experiments in the sub-ns time domain with variable repetition rate exploiting the full flux of the synchrotron radiation.     

Single-shot beam-position monitor for x-ray free electron laser

We have developed an x-ray beam-position monitor for detecting the radiation properties of an x-ray free electron laser (FEL). It is composed of four PIN photodiodes that detect backscattered x-rays from a semitransparent diamond film placed in the beam path. The signal intensities from the photodiodes are used to compute the beam intensity and position. A proof-of-principle experiment at a synchrotron light source revealed that the error in the beam position is reduced to below 7 μm by using a nanocrystal diamond film prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Owing to high dose tolerance and transparency of the diamond film, the monitor is suitable for routine diagnostics of extremely intense x-ray pulses from the FEL.     

A technique for measuring the propagation of a supersonic radiation front in foam via spatially resolved spectral imaging of a tracer layer

We present a technique for measuring the propagation of a supersonic radiation front in low-density foam, where the lack of motion of the objects in its wake makes it difficult to determine its location. We illuminate a thin tracer foil embedded in the foam with a broadband x-ray source, and measure its changing absorption of these x rays as it ionizes. We record both spatial and spectral information of the heated tracer, and thus obtain its ionization state as a function of distance along the front propagation direction. We extrapolate this information to determine the state of the foam and the location of the radiation front. We present the experimental configuration used to test this technique at the Omega laser facility along with experimental results.     

Efficient Kalpha x-ray source from submillijoule femtosecond laser pulses operated at kilohertz repetition rate

We report an efficient Cu K(alpha) x-ray source produced by focusing submillijoule, 120 fs Ti:sapphire laser pulses on a solid copper target to a spot diameter of few microns. The experimental results show strong emission of K(alpha) x-rays from solid targets from microplasmas created by p-polarized 0.2-0.3 mJ laser pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate. We have demonstrated K(alpha) x-ray point source emission rates of 6.7 x 10(9) photonss into 2 pi sr at 1 kHz repetition rate. The source has an x-ray conversion efficiency into Cu K(alpha) line emission of 3.2 x 10(-5). The source has a measured size of approximately 8 microm. Such a high repetition rate K(alpha) x-ray source can be very useful for time resolved x-ray diffraction and radiographic applications.     

X-ray beam induced current method at the laboratory x-ray source

The x-ray beam induced current method (XBIC) is realized on the laboratory x-ray source using the polycapillary x-ray optics. It is shown that rather good images of grain boundaries in Si can be obtained by this method. The parameters of x-ray beam are estimated by the simulation of Schottky diode image. A good correlation between the experimental and calculated grain boundary XBIC contrast is obtained. The possibilities of laboratory source based XBIC method are estimated.     

X-ray grating interferometer for materials-science imaging at a low-coherent wiggler source

X-ray phase-contrast radiography and tomography enable to increase contrast for weakly absorbing materials. Recently, x-ray grating interferometers were developed that extend the possibility of phase-contrast imaging from highly brilliant radiation sources like third-generation synchrotron sources to non-coherent conventional x-ray tube sources. Here, we present the first installation of a three grating x-ray interferometer at a low-coherence wiggler source at the beamline W2 (HARWI II) operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht at the second-generation synchrotron storage ring DORIS (DESY, Hamburg, Germany). Using this type of the wiggler insertion device with a millimeter-sized source allows monochromatic phase-contrast imaging of centimeter sized objects with high photon flux. Thus, biological and materials-science imaging applications can highly profit from this imaging modality. The specially designed grating interferometer currently works in the photon energy range from 22 to 30 keV, and the range will be increased by using adapted x-ray optical gratings. Our results of an energy-dependent visibility measurement in comparison to corresponding simulations demonstrate the performance of the new setup.     

Status of ion sources at National Institute of Radiological Sciences

The National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) maintains various ion accelerators in order to study the effects of radiation of the human body and medical uses of radiation. Two electrostatic tandem accelerators and three cyclotrons delivered by commercial companies have offered various life science tools; these include proton-induced x-ray emission analysis (PIXE), micro beam irradiation, neutron exposure, and radioisotope tracers and probes. A duoplasmatron, a multicusp ion source, a penning ion source (PIG), and an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) are in operation for these purposes. The Heavy-Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) is an accelerator complex for heavy-ion radiotherapy, fully developed by NIRS. HIMAC is utilized not only for daily treatment with the carbon beam but also for fundamental experiments. Several ECRISs and a PIG at HIMAC satisfy various research and clinical requirements.     

Measurement of the high energy component of the x-ray spectra in the VENUS electron cyclotron resonance ion source

High performance electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources, such as VENUS (Versatile ECR for NUclear Science), produce large amounts of x-rays. By studying their energy spectra, conclusions can be drawn about the electron heating process and the electron confinement. In addition, the bremsstrahlung from the plasma chamber is partly absorbed by the cold mass of the superconducting magnet, adding an extra heat load to the cryostat. Germanium or NaI detectors are generally used for x-ray measurements. Due to the high x-ray flux from the source, the experimental setup to measure bremsstrahlung spectra from ECR ion sources is somewhat different from that for the traditional nuclear physics measurements these detectors are generally used for. In particular, the collimation and background shielding can be problematic. In this paper, we will discuss the experimental setup for such a measurement, the energy calibration and background reduction, the shielding of the detector, and collimation of the x-ray flux. We will present x-ray energy spectra and cryostat heating rates depending on various ion source parameters, such as confinement fields, minimum B-field, rf power, and heating frequency.     

Note: Spatial resolution of Fuji BAS-TR and BAS-SR imaging plates

The spatial resolution of two types of imaging plates, Fuji BAS-TR and Fuji BAS-SR, has been measured using a knife-edge x-ray source of 8-keV Cu K(α) radiation. The values for the spatial resolution, defined as the distance between 10% and 90% levels of the edge spread function, are 94 μm and 109 μm, respectively. The resolution values are important for quantitative analysis of x-ray and particle imaging and spectroscopic diagnostics.     

Time-resolved near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy on photo-induced phase transitions using a tabletop soft-x-ray spectrometer

We present a table-top soft-x-ray spectrometer for the wavelength range λ = 1-5 nm based on a stable laser-driven x-ray source, making use of a gas-puff target. With this setup, optical light-pump/soft-x-ray probe near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) experiments with a temporal resolution of about 230 ps are feasible. Pump-probe NEXAFS measurements were carried out in the "water-window" region (2.28 nm-4.36 nm) on the manganite Pr(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO(3), investigating diminutive changes of the oxygen K edge that derive from an optically induced phase transition. The results show the practicability of the table-top soft-x-ray spectrometer on demanding investigations so far exclusively conducted at synchrotron radiation sources.     

激光等离子体X射线极化光谱研究

为了诊断激光等离子体X射线的极化光谱,研制了一种新型的基于空间分辨的极化谱仪。将平面晶体和球面弯晶色散元件在极化谱仪内正交布置,即在水平通道用PET平面晶体作为色散元件,而在垂直通道用Mica球面弯晶作为色散元件,球面半径为380mm。信号采用成像板进行接收,有效接收面积为30×80mm,从等离子体光源经晶体到成像板的光路约为980mm。物理实验首次在中国工程物理研究院激光聚变研究中心“2×10J激光装置”上进行,成像板获得了铝激光等离子体X射线的光谱空间分辨信号。实验结果表明该谱仪具有较高谱分辨率,适合激光等离子体x射线极化光谱的诊断。     

Energy dissipation of materials at high pressure and high temperature

We report an experimental method to study the anelastic properties of materials at high pressure and high temperature. The multianvil high pressure deformation device, used to apply a cyclic loading force onto the sample, can reach 15 GPa and 2000 K. A synchrotron x-ray radiation source provides time resolved images of the sample and reference material. The images yield stress and strain as a function of time; stresses are derived from the reference material, and strains from the sample. This method has been tested by applying a sinusoidal stress at megahertz to hertz frequency on a San Carlos olivine specimen at 5 GPa and up to 2000 K. Strain as small as 10(-5) can be resolved. We have obtained experimental results which exhibit resolvable attenuation factor (Q(-1)) and shear modulus (M) at deep Earth conditions. These results are in quantitative agreement with previously reported lower pressure data and suggest that temperature and grain size have dominating effect on these properties.     

Recent advances in scanning x-ray microscopy

A scanning x-ray microscope has been built at the Daresbury synchrotron radiation source and used to obtain images at soft x-ray wavelengths (～2–4 nm). The focusing element of the microscope is a zone plate, fabricated by a contamination writing process developed at King's College. Zone plates with the finest zone widths, and hence theoretical resolutions, below 20 nm have been fabricated in this way. The contamination material is carbon, and as such is unsuitable for high-efficiency focusing. In order to increase the zone plate efficiency, a shadowing pattern transfer process has been developed and used to replicate contamination lines with 25 nm widths into more suitable materials.