A microfocus X-ray fluorescence beamline at Indus-2 synchrotron radiation facility

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Biomedical Science
• Archaeological Science

Background:

• Synchrotron radiation facilities offer powerful tools for elemental analysis.
• Heavy metal speciation and localization are critical in various scientific fields.
• The need for high-resolution analytical techniques drives beamline development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the construction and capabilities of the microfocus X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy beamline (BL-16) at Indus-2.
• To highlight the beamline's suitability for environmental, archaeological, and biomedical applications.
• To present the performance and analytical potential of the new beamline.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a bending-magnet source with an X-ray energy range of 4-20 keV.
• Incorporates a double-crystal monochromator (Si(111)) and Kirkpatrick-Baez focusing mirrors.
• Offers X-ray fluorescence mapping, X-ray microspectroscopy, and total-external-reflection fluorescence characterization.

Main Results:

• The beamline can excite K-edges of elements S to Nb and L-edges of Ag to U.
• Demonstrates capabilities for heavy metal speciation and localization studies.
• Provides examples of measured results showcasing beamline performance.

Conclusions:

• The BL-16 beamline is a versatile tool for advanced elemental analysis.
• It significantly enhances research capabilities in environmental, archaeological, and biomedical fields.
• The beamline's performance validates its potential for detailed material characterization.