A new beamstop for microfocus X-ray capillary beams

In order to accurately measure the photon flux and to assist in aligning the beam, we have designed a modified beam stop device based on a photo diode integrated with the beam stop. The beam stop contains a small CdWO(4) crystal that completely stops the X-rays and at the same time produces photoluminescence proportional to the X-ray flux. The light is then guided to a photosensitive diode, using a flexible light pipe, to monitor the flux. With this device we achieve the goal of stopping the primary X-ray beam and simultaneously monitoring the X-ray intensity, thus eliminating the need for integrating ion-chambers into the capillary or collimator mount.