Laboratory von Hámos X-ray spectroscopy for routine sample characterization

Area of Science:

• * Materials Science
• * Chemistry
• * Physics
• * Biology

Background:

• * High energy resolution, hard X-ray spectroscopies are crucial for probing electronic and local structures.
• * Limited access to synchrotron radiation facilities impedes routine application of these powerful techniques.
• * A need exists for accessible, efficient laboratory-based X-ray spectroscopy methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To introduce a novel, economical, and easy-to-operate laboratory X-ray spectrometer.
• * To enable rapid X-ray absorption and X-ray emission spectroscopy measurements.
• * To provide a viable alternative to synchrotron-based analyses for certain applications.

Main Methods:

• * Development of a high-resolution von Hámos type X-ray spectrometer.
• * Utilization of a cylindrical analyzer crystal and a position-sensitive detector.
• * Design focused on robustness, flexibility, and low operational costs.

Main Results:

• * Achieved synchrotron-grade signal-to-noise measurements in reasonable acquisition times.
• * Demonstrated proof of principle for both X-ray absorption and X-ray emission spectroscopy.
• * Successfully tracked a multi-day chemical transformation, highlighting laboratory suitability.

Conclusions:

• * The developed laboratory spectrometer offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for X-ray spectroscopy.
• * It democratizes access to advanced analytical techniques for diverse scientific fields.
• * Enables in-situ and long-term studies previously challenging at synchrotron facilities.