A versatile medium-resolution x-ray emission spectrometer for diamond anvil cell applications.

Area of Science:

• X-ray spectroscopy
• Materials science under extreme conditions
• Spectrometer design

Background:

• Nonresonant x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) is crucial for studying material properties.
• High-pressure studies, especially of heavy elements, require sensitive detection methods.
• Traditional XES instruments can have limitations in collection efficiency and count rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the design and performance of a novel polycapillary-coupled x-ray spectrometer.
• To evaluate its suitability for high-pressure studies of heavy elements using nonresonant XES.
• To demonstrate improved performance compared to existing technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a polycapillary optic for high collection efficiency.
• Employed a single Bragg analyzer in a near-backscattering geometry.
• Tested the spectrometer's performance over photon energies from 5 keV to 10 keV.

Main Results:

• Achieved very high collection efficiency.
• Maintained a moderate energy resolution of approximately 5 eV.
• Demonstrated dramatically improved count rates compared to a traditional spherically bent crystal analyzer instrument.

Conclusions:

• The polycapillary-coupled spectrometer is well-suited for nonresonant XES studies of heavy elements under high pressure.
• The instrument offers a significant advancement in count rates and collection efficiency.
• This design provides a practical solution for challenging spectroscopic investigations.