New instrumentation for micro-imaging X-ray absorption spectroscopy using optical detection methods

The design and use of a novel portable synchrotron end-station is described, that allows for the micro-imaging of X-ray absorption features of solids, via their luminescence emission. This mode Of measurement is possible on most standard synchrotron beamlines (i.e. not only; those with dedicated optics to allow X-ray micro-imaging) and any excitation energy is usable, typically from the UV to hard Xrays, 4 eV to 70 keV. Furthermore, since the micro-imaging is obtained via optical detection of X-ray absorption, a direct link between the X-ray features and the luminescence characteristics of a sample is possible. The article describes both the technical aspects of the new instrument and some of its early uses in the XUV energy range on beamline MPW 6.1 (40-450 eV) at the UK's synchrotron radiation source at Daresburv. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.