Multilayer mirror systems to form hard X-ray beams

This paper is an overview of the research activities carried out in the past five years at the Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS and “X-ray” Company towards the manufacture of multilayer mirror systems capable of forming X-ray beams in the subnanometer range of wavelengths. The systems fabrication technology is presented, including techniques for producing supersmooth surfaces of specified shape, methods of graded multilayer structure deposition on such surfaces, and the principles of designing optimal mirror parameters. The characteristics of a quadrelliptical reflector—a novel high light-gathering power four-corner focusing system—are reported.     

The characteristic X-ray spectra of free atoms of metals

The article presents the results of a study of characteristic X-ray spectra of free atoms by means of a new simple technique. A pulsed electron beam was used for evaporation and to create inner-shell vacancies in free atoms of metals. The spectra were obtained with the help of an X-ray monochromator which allowed precise comparison between the free-atoms spectra and corresponding solid-state spectra. The shifts of the peaks were measured and found to be in the range Δλ/λ≈10⁻⁵–10⁻⁴. The K-, L- and M-series spectra were studied. A number of the free-atoms spectra revealed structure which was not resolved in the solid-state spectra and which is of interest for atomic structure calculation applications. This electron beam technique for the investigation of X-ray characteristic spectra of free atoms can be used for the refinement of X-ray wavelength standards.     

Design study of hard X-ray tomography system to obtain a spatial resolution of 100 nm

An optic-based X-ray tomography system of a high spatial resolution using a conventional X-ray tube was proposed. The system had several X-ray optics: multilayer mirror for monochromatic X-ray, capillary optic for focusing X-ray onto a sample, and objective zone plate. The X-ray tomography system was designed for obtaining a spatial resolution of 100 nm. Design parameters for each optic were determined and optimized by ray tracing in considering X-ray intensity and reflectivity. The X-ray tomography system with a spatial resolution of 100 nm will provide a good inspect tool in bio-medical field and semiconductor applications.     

Muon catalyzed fusion and muon to 3He transfer in solid T2 studied by X-ray and neutron detection

X-ray and neutron measurements were carried out for muon catalyzed fusion and related phenomena in solid T₂. The X-ray originated from the μ^- to α sticking in muon catalyzed fusion; t + t + μ ^- → (μ ^- α) + 2n was measured for the first time, yielding K _α X-ray intensity of (μα) atom and the intensity ratio of K _β to K _α . Utilizing the phenomena of ³He accumulation in solid T₂, the X-ray in the μ^- transfer process from (tμ) to ³He was detected, providing a formation rate and radiative decay branching-ratio of (t ³Heμ) molecule. From fusion neutron measurements, estimated values were obtained for (ttμ) molecular formation rate as well as sticking probability ω_t in ttμ fusion. A possible new insight in t + t fusion reaction process at a low energy limit is also obtained. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Local Moment of Ir in Fe,Co and Ni Hosts Probed by Ir L 2,3 Edge X-Ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism

The formation of an induced 5d magnetic moment on Ir in Fe₉₇Ir₃, Co₉₅Ir₅ and Ni₉₅Ir₅ alloys has been investigated by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) measurements at Ir L _2,3 edges. Using a sum rule which relates the integrals of these spectra with the ground state expectation value of the orbital angular momentum 〈L _Z 〉 of the probed atom, the orbital moment m _orb of Ir could be determined as −0.071(2) μ _B in an Fe host, −0.067(2) μ _B in a Co host and −0.041(1) μ _B in a Ni host. The spin magnetic moment m _spin of Ir is also found to be the maximal in Fe and the minimal in Ni. The total moment of Ir is found to be approximately 1/5 of total moment of Fe, 2/13 of the total moment of Co, and 1/4 of the total moment of Ni. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Measurement ofL-shell photoelectric cross sections in highZ elements at 60 keV

L-shell photoelectric cross sections have been measured at 60 keV for six elements in the range 74≤Z≤92. The measurements are found to agree with theoretical calculations.     

Soft X-ray microscopy in the spectral region of “carbon window” with the use of multilayer optics and a laser-plasma source

This paper reports on the fabrication and testing of multilayer mirrors for X-ray optical systems operating in the “carbon window” region (at wavelengths from 4.5 to 5.0 nm) and the results of their application in soft X-ray imaging of the internal structure of organic objects. The developed approaches to the fabrication and control of graded Co/C multilayer coatings have made it possible to create an X-ray multimirror system with a maximum known entrance aperture and throughput. The use of the developed high-spatial-resolution X-ray optics can significantly extend the field of practical application of soft X-ray absorption microscopy based on compact laser-plasma sources.     

Aperiodic multilayer mirrors for efficient broadband reflection in the extreme ultraviolet

Recent extreme ultraviolet sources using high-harmonic generation in a rare gas make new optics developments necessary. We report on the study and development of multilayer structures with efficient reflectivity in the 35–75 eV energy range. We have optimized, deposited and characterized two aperiodic broadband mirrors consisting of a Mo, Si and B₄C thin-film stack. We used the needle procedure in order to optimize mirror reflectivity. The magnetron sputter deposited multilayers have been calibrated and characterized using Cu K _α grazing incidence X-ray reflectometry. Reflectivity measured at near-normal incidence on a synchrotron radiation source reaches 12% with a full width at half maximum of nearly 40 eV. Experimental results are compared with theoretical simulation using available optical constants for Mo, Si and B₄C in this spectral range.     

Polarons in axial transport in single-layer high-T<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis></Subscript> superconductors

The temperatureT dependencies ρ(T) of normal state electric resistivitiesρ _c (axial) andρ _ab (in plane) of single-layer high-T _c superconductors show common trends: AsT is raised, the resistivity first drops steeply before it starts rising αT above an apparent semiconductor-to-metal crossoverT _cross . To analyze ρ(T) we plottT/ρ againstT at various dopingsx for bothρ _c andρ _ab .T/ρ is inversely proportional to the traversal time across a potential barrier as an ionic particle drifts in an electric field. We findT/ρ in good agreement with theT dependence of the quantum rate of migrating particles: AsT is raised, a zero-point rate at the lowestT is extended to a nearly flat plateau before a thermally activated branch sets in. We also find evidence for the admixture of 1- & 2-phonon absorptions below the Arrhenius range. These features shape the semiconductor-like branch below T _cross . AboveT _cross a metallic-like branch sets in, its αT character deriving from the field coupling of the migrating particle. Our analysis suggests that metal physics may not suffice if ionic features play a role in transport. We attribute our conclusions to the drift of strong-coupling polarons along Cu−O bonds. These “bond polarons” originate from carrier scattering by double-well potentials associated with the bonds. A bond polaron dissociates to a free hole as it passes onto a neighboring O-O link.     

On entanglement distillation and quantum error correction for unknown states and channels

We consider the problem of invariance of distillable entanglement D and quantum capacities Q under erasure of information about single copy of quantum state or channel respectively. We argue that any 2 ⊗N two-way distillable state is still two-way distillable after erasure of single copy information. For some known distillation protocols the obtained two-way distillation rate is the same as if Alice and Bob knew the state from the very beginning. The isomorphism between quantum states and quantum channels is also investigated. In particular it is pointed out that any transmission rate down the channel is equal to distillation rate with formal LOCC-like superoperator that uses in general nonphysical Alice actions. This allows to we prove that if given channel Λ has nonzero capacity (Q _→ or Q _⟺) then the corresponding quantum state ϱ(Λ) has nonzero distillable entanglement (D _→ or D _⟺). Follwoing the latter arguments are provided that any channel mapping single qubit into N level system allows for reliable two-way transmission after erasure of information about single copy. Some open problems are discussed.     

Characterisation of Ba2In2 − x Sn x O5 + x/2 oxide ion conductors

The Ba₂In_2 − x Sn _x O_5 + x/2 solid solution was confirmed up to x = 1 by solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction at room and at elevated temperatures, Raman scattering and impedance spectroscopy were used to characterise the samples. The structure refinement of the composition x = 0.1 from neutron diffraction data reveals that tin is preferentially located in the tetrahedral layers of the brownmillerite. Paper presented at the 11th EuroConference on the Science and Technology of Ionics, Batz-sur-Mer, Sept. 9–15, 2007     

μCR42β: Muon capture rates for double-beta decay

Gamma-rays following nuclear capture of negative muons in enriched ⁴⁸Ti, ⁷⁶Se, ¹⁰⁶Cd, as well as natural Se and Cd targets were measured. Time evolution of several gamma-lines allowed to deduce the total μ-capture rates in Ti, Se and Cd isotopes, which are compared to the Primakoff estimate. The data on the partial μ-capture rates will be used for more precise calculation of the 2β-NMEs of ⁴⁸Ca, ⁷⁶Se and ¹⁰⁶Cd. Presented by V. Egorov at the Workshop on calculation of double-beta-decay matrix elements (MEDEX’05), Corfu, Greece, September 26–29, 2005. Partly supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant 06-02-16587).     

Measurement ofL-shell photoelectric cross-sections in lower intermediateZ elements at 6 keV

L-shell photoelectric cross-sections have been measured at 6 keV for eight elements in the range 40⩽Z⩽53. The measurements agree with theoretical calculations.     

Comparison of the Seltzer Coefficient C 1 to Experimental Data

Experimental Coulomb isotope shifts δE _Coul from K _α transitions, and radius differences δ〈r ²〉 _eμ measured by electron scattering and muonic atom X-rays were used to derive ‘experimental’ coefficients C _1,exp for 54 isotope pairs of 18 elements from Mo to U. A χ²-analysis shows that these experimental coefficients are – on average – 3.5% lower than the theoretical C ₁ values calculated by Seltzer, or more precisely: C _1,exp=0.965(± 0.014)×C ₁. The need for more accurate theoretical calculations is stressed, and consequences of this deviation are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Metal-insulator transition in electron-doped Ba1−x La x MnO3 compounds

Electron-doped (Ba_1−x La _x )MnO₃ compounds were prepared for x=0−0.5. Measurements of X-ray diffraction (XRD) at room temperature and temperature variation of dc electrical resistivity down to 20 K were carried out. Samples with x=0.2–0.5 exhibit metal-insulator (M-I) transition. The maximum M-I transition temperature (T _c) of 289 K was observed for 30% of La doping (x=0.3). XRD patterns of these samples (x=0.2−0.5) were analyzed using Rietveld refinement. These samples are found to be mostly in single-phase form with orthorhombic symmetry (space group Pbnm). We have found strong correlation between Mn-O-Mn bond angles and T _c of M-I transition. The resistivity data below T _c could be fitted to the expression ρ=ρ ₁+ρ ₂ T ² and this shows that double exchange interaction plays a major role even in Mn⁴⁺-rich compound. Above T _c the resistivity data were fitted to variable range hopping and small polaron models.     

Phenomenological applications of<Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis><Subscript>T</Subscript>factorization

We discuss applications of the perturbative QCD approach in the exclusive non-leptonic two-bodyB-meson decays. We briefly review its ingredients and some important theoretical issues on the factorization approach. PQCD results are compatible with present experimental data for charmless B-meson decays. We predict the possibility of large direct CP asymmetry in B⁰ → π⁺π⁻ (23 +7%) and B⁰ →K ⁺π⁻ (− 17 ± 5%). We also investigate the branching ratios, CP asymmetry and isospin symmetry breaking in radiativeB →(K*/ρ)γ decays.     

Forthcoming papers

Kβ X-ray spectra of Si and SiO₂ have been measured accurately with a double crystal spectrometer. The measuredKβ spectrum of silicon element was compared with calculations of the electronic density of states. Observed intensity distribution shows that thep-electrons predominate at the top of the valence band, and somep-like states extend to the middle of the valence band. According to MO calculations the most intensiveKβ line of SiO₂ is 4t ₂ (100), the 3t ₂ (16) line is 17.9 eV lower, and 5t ₂ (5) line 6.3 eV higher. In our measurements the energy differences are 13.0 and 4 eV, respectively, and intensities 30% and 3% from the main line.     

软X射线多层膜及多层膜光栅的研究进展

对目前的几种软Ｘ射线光学元件的性能作了简要的阐述和分析。综合介绍了多层膜作为软Ｘ射线光学元件的新进展。同时对多层膜光栅这种新型软Ｘ射线光学元件的原理、性能、制作工艺进行了详细的说明。     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of the electronic structure of La<Subscript>1–<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Ca<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3+δ</Subscript> solid solutions

The electronic structure of La_1–x Ga _x MnO_3+δ. solid solutions is studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The valence state of the manganese is estimated by various methods: by analyzing the difference in the binding energies of the Mn2p_3/2 and O1s electronic levels, analyzing exchange splitting in the spectrum of Mn3s, and from the dependence of the binding energy of the XPS spectrum of Mn2p_3/2 on the calcium concentration. The state of oxidation of the manganese in the compositions containing calcium lies between Mn³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺. The efficacies of these methods are compared. A correlation is found between the type of crystalline structure of La_1–x Ga _x MnO_3+δ. (0 ≤ x < 1) and the binding energy of the Mn2p_3/2 peak. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 76, No. 3, pp. 419–427, May–June, 2009.     

Measurement of K β K /α values using proton beamvalues using proton beam

The Measurement of K _β K _/α intensity ratios are measured in some 3d shell elements by using a 2 MeV proton beam along with a high resolution Si(Li) detector. The present Measurement of K _β K _/α intensity ratios are in good agreement with Scofield modified theoretical values, thus supporting the basic assumptions in that theory. From the present Measurement of K _β K _/α intensity ratios, it is evident that due to chemical effects, the experimental Measurement of K _β K _/α intensity ratios will be increased while they will be decreased due to the presence of simultaneous M-shell vacancies which are produced due to proton excitation.