Modular soft x-ray spectrometer for applications in energy sciences and quantum materials.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy
• Physics

Background:

• Grating-based soft X-ray spectrometers have advanced materials research.
• Existing spectrometers are often dedicated designs, limiting adaptability.
• A need exists for versatile instruments to meet diverse research demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a versatile, modular soft X-ray spectrometer design concept.
• To demonstrate its adaptability for high spectral resolution or high throughput.
• To showcase its application in materials research, particularly for sustainable energy materials.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Hettrick-Underwood optical scheme with modular mechanical components.
• Designed an optics chamber compatible with gratings in inside or outside orders.
• Reconfigured detector assemblies for different operational modes.

Main Results:

• Achieved high spectral resolution (>10,000) with small source/detector pixels and high line density gratings.
• Demonstrated high throughput for moderate resolution applications.
• Successfully generated extensive resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) maps of battery cathode material LiNi$_{1/3}$Co$_{1/3}$Mn$_{1/3}$O$_{2}$ in hours.

Conclusions:

• The modular spectrometer design provides a versatile platform for soft X-ray spectroscopy.
• High-throughput configurations are valuable for studying sustainable energy materials.
• RIXS mapping reveals transition metal redox behavior difficult to discern with other methods.