Experimental testing of a prototype cantilevered liquid-nitrogen-cooled silicon mirror

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering
• X-ray Optics

Background:

• The Advanced Light Source Upgrade requires advanced optics for new soft X-ray beamlines.
• A novel cantilevered liquid-nitrogen-cooled silicon mirror was developed to meet these requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance and viability of a prototype silicon mirror for soft X-ray applications.
• To assess key functional parameters including thermal and mechanical stability.

Main Methods:

• Testing focused on fracture mechanics, heat transfer analysis, and modal response.
• Optical distortion measurements were performed under operational conditions.

Main Results:

• The prototype mirror demonstrated successful performance under tested conditions.
• Heat transfer and modal response analyses indicated the design meets functional requirements.
• No critical failures related to fracture were observed during testing.

Conclusions:

• The cantilevered liquid-nitrogen-cooled silicon mirror design is suitable for the Advanced Light Source Upgrade.
• Further development and implementation in the new soft X-ray beamlines are recommended.