A liquid flatjet system for solution phase soft-x-ray spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Soft-x-ray spectroscopy requires specialized sample environments.
• Transmission measurements of liquids are challenging due to window absorption and reactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a liquid flatjet system for solution phase soft-x-ray spectroscopy.
• To enable transmission mode soft-x-ray spectroscopy of aqueous solutions under vacuum.

Main Methods:

• Formation of stable liquid sheets by colliding two identical laminar water jets.
• Operation of the liquid flatjet system under vacuum conditions (<10⁻³ mbar).
• Analysis of liquid sheet thickness using interferometric, mid-infrared transmission, and O K-edge absorbance measurements.

Main Results:

• The liquid flatjet system produces a stable liquid sheet (4.6 mm long, 1.0 mm wide) suitable for spectroscopy.
• Liquid sheet thickness was determined to be 1.4–3 μm, consistent under atmospheric and vacuum conditions.
• Successful demonstration of soft-x-ray spectroscopy on aqueous NH₄⁺ (N K-edge) using the flatjet system.

Conclusions:

• The liquid flatjet system is a viable tool for soft-x-ray spectroscopy of aqueous solutions.
• The system allows for steady-state and time-resolved studies in the soft-x-ray regime.
• The ability to recycle small sample volumes enhances its utility for precious or limited samples.