Development of an x-ray polarimeter at the SOLEIL synchrotron

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Synchrotron radiation facilities generate highly polarized X-ray beams.
• The precise degree and angle of X-ray polarization can vary significantly.
• Accurate polarization measurement is crucial for various experimental applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a portable X-ray polarimeter.
• To enable precise determination of linear polarization for X-ray beams.
• To characterize polarization at synchrotron facilities.

Main Methods:

• A portable X-ray polarimeter was designed using a rotating silicon drift detector.
• A high-density polyethylene target was used to scatter X-rays.
• Scattered photon angular distributions were analyzed at a 90-degree angle.
• Geant4 simulations were employed to model expected photon distributions.

Main Results:

• The developed polarimeter successfully measured X-ray beam polarization.
• Excellent agreement was achieved between experimental data and Geant4 simulations.
• The setup enabled a precise determination of the linear polarization angle and degree.

Conclusions:

• The portable X-ray polarimeter is a validated and effective tool.
• This instrument allows for accurate characterization of X-ray polarization at synchrotron sources.
• The findings support improved experimental planning and data interpretation at synchrotron facilities.