Developing an in situ LED irradiation system for small-angle X-ray scattering at B21, Diamond Light Source

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biophysics
• Chemistry

Background:

• Beamline B21 at Diamond Light Source is a high-throughput small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) facility.
• Automated sample delivery systems are crucial for efficient synchrotron experiments.
• Investigating light-responsive materials requires controlled light exposure during analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and integrate a novel optical illumination system with the automated sample delivery at SAXS Beamline B21.
• To enable simultaneous X-ray and light irradiation for studying light-induced phenomena.
• To provide users with precise control over light wavelength, timing, and duration relative to X-ray exposure.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a variable wavelength UV-Visible light source with the existing automated sample delivery system.
• Synchronization of light pulses with X-ray exposure for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements.
• Characterization of light source intensity across the usable wavelength range.
• Demonstration of the system's utility with light-responsive sample measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of a user-controlled optical illumination system compatible with high-throughput SAXS.
• Quantitative characterization of light source intensity, enabling dose-dependent studies.
• Demonstrated capability to study light-responsive materials through combined X-ray and light irradiation.

Conclusions:

• The developed system enhances the capabilities of SAXS Beamline B21 for studying light-matter interactions.
• This innovation facilitates quantitative investigations of light-induced changes in materials.
• The system opens new avenues for research in photochemistry, photophysics, and light-activated materials.