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X-ray absorption spectroscopy

X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) is a versatile tool for materials science, chemistry, and biology. By probing how x-rays are absorbed by core electrons of atoms in a sample, the technique can reveal oxidation states and local atomic structure around selected atoms.

Techniques available

Hutch B - Standard experimental station for efficient XAS

The first experimental hutch is optimised for efficient XAS on samples loaded into standard sample holders. In order to minimise beamline downtime this hutch houses a non-customisableoptical table full of equipment. We support transmission and fluorescence on samples measured either in the cryostat (at 10K) or room temperature chamber. Additionally, the room temperature X-Y stages can accommodate small scale user supplied cells (such as for in-situ catalysis) provided the cell fits within the space envelope of the room temperature chamber. Similarly, we also support in-situ battery research and capillary heating to 1000K in Hutch B on the X-Y stage. Please contact the beamline team to discuss your specific requirements.

Hutch C - Customisable for large scale user supplied environments

The second experimental hutch is designed to accommodate samples measured in non-standard sample holders and/or user supplied sample environments. In Hutch C the optical table is customisable, and is equipped with three ionisation chambers, a fluorescence detector, a set of slits, and motorised stages for user-supplied equipment. Note that there is no harmonic rejection available in Hutch C and only experiments at the Fe K-edge and above are feasible (> 7 keV). To establish technical feasibility you must contact the beamline team well in advance of proposal submission.

 

Photon delivery system

 Source

1.9T Wiggler
 Available Energy range5 - 31 keV
 Optimal Energy range

Mode 1: 5 - 9 keV using Si(111)

Mode 2: 9 - 19 keV using Si(111)

Mode 3: 15 - 31 keV using Si(311)

 Resolution deltaE/ECrystal dependent:
~ 1.5x10-4 using Si(111)
~ 0.4x10-4 using Si(311)
 Nominal beam size at sample

Approx 0.25 mm2 if fully focussed

 Photon flux at sample 1010 to 1012 ph/s using Si(111)
109 to 1011 ph/s using Si(311)
 Harmonic content at 5-18 keV  < 10-5