Optimized highly efficient multilayer-coated blazed gratings for the tender X-ray region

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• X-ray Physics

Background:

• High-flux tender X-ray monochromators require efficient optical elements.
• Conventional design equations for multilayer-coated blazed gratings (MLBG) may not fully capture optimal performance.
• Cr/C multilayers are suitable for X-ray applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically study the optimized design of MLBG for high-flux tender X-ray monochromators.
• To investigate the correlation between multilayer d-spacing and grating blaze angle.
• To achieve record efficiencies in X-ray monochromators.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations were employed to study MLBG design.
• Three high line density gratings with varying blaze angles were fabricated.
• Cr/C multilayer coatings were applied to the gratings.
• Efficiency measurements were performed at specific X-ray energies.

Main Results:

• A significant deviation was observed between simulated and conventionally predicted correlations of d-spacing and blaze angle.
• An optimal blaze angle of 1.0° yielded a record efficiency of 60% at 3.1 keV and 4.1 keV.
• Measured efficiencies aligned with simulation results, validating the numerical approach.

Conclusions:

• Numerical simulations offer a more rigorous method for designing optimal MLBG structures.
• The study provides a validated approach for enhancing the performance of X-ray monochromators.
• Optimized MLBG design is crucial for advancing high-flux X-ray applications.