An active-optic x-ray fluorescence analyzer with high energy resolution, large solid angle coverage, and a large tuning range

Rev Sci Instrum. 2008 Feb;79(2 Pt 1):023102. doi: 10.1063/1.2823527.

Abstract

A crystal-optic x-ray fluorescence energy analyzer has been designed and tested, which combines the features of electron-volt energy resolution, large solid angle coverage, and tunability over several kilo-electron-volts. The design is based upon the principle of active optics, with ten actuators available to optimally adjust the shape of a silicon crystal used in the Bragg geometry. In most applications the shape is that of a logarithmic spiral for high energy resolution with a spatially nonresolving detector, but a wide range of other shapes is also possible for applications such as imaging or single-shot spectroscopy in a spectral range of the operator's choosing.