A small and robust active beamstop for scattering experiments on high-brilliance undulator beamlines

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Intense third-generation synchrotron X-ray beams require precise monitoring.
• Standard active beamstops face limitations in size and operational lifetime due to direct beam absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a small, active in-vacuum beamstop for monitoring high-intensity synchrotron X-ray beams.
• To enhance the lifetime of components by reducing radiation dose.

Main Methods:

• A silicon PIN diode was employed to detect back-scattered photons from a cavity within the beamstop.
• The design minimizes direct radiation exposure to the detector.

Main Results:

• The developed beamstop effectively monitors X-ray flux with a good response across 6-20 keV.
• The novel detection method significantly reduces radiation dose to the diode, increasing its lifespan.
• The beamstop has been successfully implemented in the P12 bioSAXS beamline.

Conclusions:

• The new beamstop design offers a robust and long-lasting solution for monitoring synchrotron X-ray beams.
• This approach allows for further miniaturization of detection components.