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Research Activities |
One of the unique strengths of the x-ray facility lies in
the strong research and development program aimed at developing cutting edge
new capabilities in x-ray imaging and diffraction techniques. These activities include the construction of
highly specialized x-ray diffraction instruments, environmental sample chambers
(temperature, humidity, etc.) for in-situ structural studies, as well as
developing new optics and instruments for hard x-ray microscopy and
micro-tomography. Below we outline some
of the recent activities.
-
Development
of hard x-ray microfocusing optics and microscopy. This project aims to
develop x-ray focusing optics, which are used at third
generation synchrotron sources to produce submicron size focused x-ray
beams. The resulting x-ray
microprobe can be used in x-ray microscopy and fluorescence microscopy,
spectroimaging, micro-tomography, and micro-diffraction experiments. Bragg-Fresnel lenses were fabricated
using microlithography and reactive ion etching methods on Si, GaAs and
InP substrates, and were characterized at the Advanced Photon Source
(APS).
SEM images of circular and linear
Bragg-Fresnel lenses made on GaAs
- Construction
of ultra-small angle x-ray spectrometer with a rotating anode
source. This instrument is
designed to probe large lengthscale structures (up to 1000 Å), such as
polymers, biological materials, mesoporous materials, and nano-particles
and rods. This 3.5 meter long
instrument incorporates the latest advances in x-ray optics and
instrumentation. The instrument
went online in January of 2001 and has produced fantastic data for many
research projects. More details of
the instrument can be found in the
instrumentation page.
Front and back view of the new 3.5
meter SAXS spectrometer
- Construction
of custom small and wide-angle x-ray diffractometers for in-situ x-ray
diffraction studies. These
specialty instruments include a intermediate q range small angle x-ray
spectrometer covering scattering length scales from 10 Å – 100 Å, which
has been in operation for 5 years, and a wide angle x-ray
diffraction/crystallography instrument capable of probing atomic
structures to 1.5 Å, which is currently under construction.
- Upgrades
to commercial diffractometers, including better sample stages, low
temperature ovens, etc…
Contact staff members to find out more about developmental activities in the x-ray facility.
