Compact system for near edge X-ray fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy using a laser-plasma light source

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Soft X-ray spectroscopy is crucial for material analysis.
• Developing compact, laboratory-based systems is essential for wider accessibility.
• Laser-plasma sources offer a promising alternative to large synchrotron facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact laboratory system for Near Edge Soft X-ray Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy.
• To utilize a laser-plasma light source for efficient soft X-ray generation.
• To demonstrate the system's capability in analyzing material composition.

Main Methods:

• A laser-plasma source was engineered using a double stream gas puff target (krypton/helium).
• Soft X-ray emission (1.5–5 nm) was optimized for spectral analysis.
• A grazing incidence spectrometer was employed for simultaneous emission and absorption measurements in transmission mode.

Main Results:

• The system successfully acquired emission and absorption spectra.
• Analysis of the carbon K-α absorption edge in PET film revealed its composition.
• Experimental data demonstrated good agreement with synchrotron-based measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed compact laser-plasma NEXAFS system is a viable alternative to synchrotron sources.
• The system provides accurate material composition analysis.
• This advancement facilitates broader application of NEXAFS spectroscopy in laboratory settings.