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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry With Tunable Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Synchrotron Radiation
Published on: October 30, 2012
Synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy using high-speed shutters
T S Toellner1, E E Alp, T Graber
1Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. toellner@anl.gov
A novel fast microshuttering technique enhances Mössbauer spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation, enabling higher signal rates and purer photon beams for advanced X-ray measurements.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Mössbauer spectroscopy traditionally requires high-resolution monochromators.
- Synchrotron radiation offers unique properties for spectroscopy but faces challenges with scattering.
- Existing methods limit signal rates and spectral purity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a new method for Mössbauer spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation.
- To improve signal rates and spectral purity of Mössbauer photons.
- To enable new X-ray measurement opportunities with ultra-high energy resolution.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a high-speed periodic shutter near the focal spot of a microfocused X-ray beam.
- Operation without a high-resolution monochromator.
- Utilizing synchrotron radiation for Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of the fast microshuttering technique.
- Achieved orders of magnitude suppression of unwanted electronic charge scattering.
- Measurement results proving the principle of the method.
- Potential for a very pure beam of Mössbauer photons (E/ΔE ≃ 10(12)) with unprecedented spectral brightness.
Conclusions:
- The fast microshuttering technique is a viable method for Mössbauer spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation.
- This technique significantly enhances signal rates and spectral purity.
- It opens new avenues for high-resolution X-ray measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy in the energy domain.
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