I18--the microfocus spectroscopy beamline at the Diamond Light Source.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy
• Synchrotron Radiation

Background:

• Advanced materials research requires high-resolution analytical techniques.
• Synchrotron-based microfocus spectroscopy offers powerful capabilities for elemental and structural analysis.
• The Diamond Light Source aims to provide cutting-edge facilities for scientific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and performance of a novel microfocus spectroscopy beamline.
• To outline the beamline's capabilities for various spectroscopic techniques.
• To present initial experimental results and optical performance.

Main Methods:

• Undulator-based synchrotron radiation source.
• Energy range optimized for K-edges (P-Mo) and L(3)-edges (Sr-Pu).
• Optical components: toroid mirror, cryo-double-crystal monochromator, Kirkpatrick-Baez mirrors.
• Techniques employed: Micro-X-ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF), Micro-EXAFS, Micro-X-ray Diffraction (μ-XRD).

Main Results:

• Achieved operable energy range of 2–20.7 keV.
• Demonstrated micro-X-ray analysis with a spot size of ~3 micrometers.
• Successfully implemented μ-XRF, micro-EXAFS, and μ-XRD.
• Performance of optical elements validated against theoretical predictions.

Conclusions:

• The new microfocus spectroscopy beamline is operational and versatile.
• The beamline provides high-resolution analytical capabilities for diverse research areas.
• Early results confirm the beamline's suitability for advanced materials characterization.