Beamline Update: Detector installation

Posted on October 16, 2015
The final major component of the endstation, the detector array, is now installed.  Four silicon drift detectors are positioned 30 mm from the sample with a specific geometry that will provide multiple perspectives and optimize contrast.  3D printed caps are positioned over the detectors to prevent damage, reduce scattering background and hold thin film filters.

Beamline Update: Fly wing measurements

Posted on September 17, 2015
Test measurements were made of a fly wing.  Images of a 2 x 2 mm field of view were acquired at a resolution of approximately 20 microns.  The lower image shows x-ray transmission and the upper image shows carbon fluorescence.  An x-ray energy of 290 eV was used in the acquisition.

Beamline Update: First images

Posted on August 13, 2015
The first x-ray images have been acquired on the SGM.  The test samples were a 0-80 nut and a gold mesh with a wire pitch of 20 microns.  A photon energy of 711 eV (Fe L-edge) was used and the total electron yield from the sample was used to generate the contrast in the images.  

Beamline Update: Focused beam on SGM

Posted on July 30, 2015
The KB mirrors have been successfully used to focus the beam to approximately 30 x 20 microns.  Optimization of the transmission and the beam demagnification will continue.

Beamline Update: KB mirrors installed

Posted on June 23, 2015
The two 150 mm long trapezoidal focussing mirrors were successfully installed on July 23rd.  Bending motors and encoders have been tested.

Beamline Update: KB bender installation and testing

Posted on June 14, 2015
Testing of the KB mirror bender mechanism and motors is underway.  This system is 375 mm upstream from the sample and will focus the beam to 10 by 10 microns.

Beamline Update: The new XAS sample holders

Posted on May 15, 2015
The ambient pressure endstation sample holders have been prototyped.  This particular sample holder will accommodate 22 samples and was designed for soils and sediments.

Beamline Update: Hexapod installed

Posted on May 12, 2015
The vacuum compatible hexapod sample positioner has been installed and tested in the ambient pressure endstation.

Beamline Update: Construction begins

Posted on May 09, 2015
Most of the parts have arrived and the construction of the new ambient pressure endstation has begun.