Multilayer X-ray optics at CHESS.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics
• Physics

Background:

• Multilayer optics are crucial for X-ray beamlines at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS).
• Traditional multilayers offer significant X-ray flux enhancement compared to standard silicon optics.
• Various multilayer designs exist, including sagittal-focusing and high-resolution types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the characteristics and applications of different multilayer optics at CHESS.
• To highlight advancements in multilayer technology for X-ray science.
• To explore the potential of new multilayer designs for macromolecular crystallography.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of traditional, sagittal-focusing, high-resolution, wide-bandpass, and small d-spacing multilayers.
• Analysis of Mo/B4C and W/B4C multilayer performance at higher energies.
• Introduction of chemical vapor deposited SiC as a substrate material.

Main Results:

• Multilayer optics provide flux enhancement factors of 10^2 over standard Si(111) optics.
• Sagittal-focusing multilayers add a 10x gain in flux density.
• High-resolution (DeltaE/E ~0.2%) and wide-bandpass (DeltaE/E = 5%, 10%) multilayers are utilized.
• Small d-spacing multilayers extend the energy range, with Mo/B4C and W/B4C showing improved performance.
• Chemical vapor deposited SiC demonstrates superior thermal conductivity as a substrate.

Conclusions:

• Multilayer optics are versatile tools at CHESS, enabling various X-ray scattering, diffraction, and imaging techniques.
• Ongoing development of multilayer optics continues to push the boundaries of X-ray science.
• New materials and designs enhance performance, offering greater possibilities for research.