Soft X-ray coherent scattering: instrument and methods at ESRF ID08

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Synchrotron Radiation Science

Background:

• Soft x-ray coherent scattering is a powerful technique for probing material properties at the nanoscale.
• Developing advanced experimental setups is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of synchrotron radiation facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize an experimental setup for soft x-ray coherent scattering at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF).
• To demonstrate the capabilities of the setup using resonant magnetic scattering.
• To evaluate the degree of coherence of the soft x-ray beam at different stages of the experiment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized beamline ID08 at ESRF for soft x-ray coherent scattering experiments.
• Employed a monochromator and circular pinhole to generate an intense coherent beam.
• Installed a motorized pinhole holder within a UHV chamber.
• Recorded scattered intensity using a back-illuminated charge-coupled device (CCD) camera in reflection geometry.

Main Results:

• Successfully established a soft x-ray coherent scattering experimental setup.
• Demonstrated resonant magnetic scattering experiments with the coherent beam.
• Observed a reversal in the vertical and horizontal coherence of the beam from the source to the diffractometer.
• Characterized the intensity of the coherent beam.

Conclusions:

• The developed setup is suitable for advanced soft x-ray coherent scattering studies, including resonant magnetic scattering.
• The study highlights the dynamic nature of beam coherence within the experimental setup.
• Further investigations into beam coherence and intensity are warranted for optimizing scattering experiments.