Development of micro‐XANES mapping in the diamond anvil cell

Energy‐dispersive X‐ray absorption spectroscopy is now a well established method that has been applied to a broad range of applications. At the energy‐dispersive EXAFS beamline of the ESRF, ID24, the recently achieved 5 × 5 µm focal spot combined with fast acquisition has allowed complex and non‐uniform samples to be mapped and images to be obtained where each pixel contains full XAS information. This method has been applied to a study under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature in a diamond anvil cell in transmission mode. The case study was the investigation of the Fe K‐edge XANES of (Mg,Fe)SiO₃‐perovskite and (Mg,Fe)O‐ferropericlase on decomposition of the spinel‐structured olivine [γ‐(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄] at 78 (3) GPa after laser heating at 2200 (100) K.     

Suppression of Bragg reflection glitches of a single‐crystal diamond anvil cell by a polycapillary half‐lens in high‐pressure XAFS spectroscopy

In combination with a single‐crystal diamond anvil cell (DAC), a polycapillary half‐lens (PHL) re‐focusing optics has been used to perform high‐pressure extended X‐ray absorption fine‐structure measurements. It is found that a large divergent X‐ray beam induced by the PHL leads the Bragg glitches from single‐crystal diamond to be broadened significantly and the intensity of the glitches to be reduced strongly so that most of the DAC glitches are efficiently suppressed. The remaining glitches can be easily removed by rotating the DAC by a few degrees with respect to the X‐ray beam. Accurate X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (XAFS) spectra of polycrystalline Ge powder with a glitch‐free energy range from ?200 to 800 eV relative to the Ge absorption edge are obtained using this method at high pressures up to 23.7 GPa, demonstrating the capability of PHL optics in eliminating the DAC glitches for high‐pressure XAFS experiments. This approach brings new possibilities to perform XAFS measurements using a DAC up to ultrahigh pressures.     

Nondestructive elemental depth profiling of Japanese lacquerware ‘Tamamushi‐nuri’ by confocal 3D‐XRF analysis in comparison with micro GE‐XRF

We have applied recently two XRF (micro x‐ray fluorescence) methods [micro‐Grazing Exit XRF (GE‐XRF) and confocal 3D‐XRF] to Japanese lacquerware ‘Tamamushi‐nuri.’ A laboratory grazing‐exit XRF (GE‐XRF) instrument was developed in combination with a micro‐XRF setup. A micro x‐ray beam was produced by a single capillary and a pinhole aperture. Elemental x‐ray images (2D images) obtained at different analyzing depths by micro GE‐XRF have been reported. However, it was difficult to directly obtain depth‐selective x‐ray spectra and 2D images. A 3D XRF instrument using two independent polycapillary x‐ray lenses and two x‐ray sources (Cr and Mo targets) was also applied to the same sample. 2D XRF images of a Japanese lacquerware showed specific distributions of elements at the different depths, indicating that ‘Tamamushi‐nuri’ lacquerware has a layered structure. The merits and disadvantages of both the micro GE‐XRF and confocal micro XRF methods are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Implementation of a combined SAXS/WAXS/QEXAFS set‐up for time‐resolved in situ experiments

It has previously been shown that there are many benefits to be obtained in combining several techniques in one in situ set‐up to study chemical processes in action. Many of these combined set‐ups make use of two techniques, but in some cases it is possible and useful to combine even more. A set‐up has recently been developed that combines three X‐ray‐based techniques, small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and quick‐scanning EXAFS (QEXAFS), for the study of dynamical chemical processes. The set‐up is able to probe the same part of the sample during the synthesis process and is thus able to follow changes at the nanometre to micrometre scale during, for example, materials self‐assembly, with a time resolution of the order of a few minutes. The practicality of this kind of experiment has been illustrated by studying zeotype crystallization processes and revealed important new insights into the interplay of the various stages of ZnAPO‐34 formation. The flexibility of this set‐up for studying other processes and for incorporating other additional non‐X‐ray‐based experimental techniques has also been explored and demonstrated for studying the stability/activity of iron molybdate catalysts for the anaerobic decomposition of methanol.     

ED‐XRF set‐up for size‐segregated aerosol samples analysis

The knowledge of size‐segregated elemental concentrations in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) gives a useful contribution to the complete chemical characterisation; this information can be obtained by sampling with multi‐stage cascade impactors. In this work, samples were collected using a low‐pressure 12‐stage Small Deposit Impactor and a 13‐stage rotating Micro Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor^?. Both impactors collect the aerosol in an inhomogeneous geometry, which needs a special set‐up for X‐ray analysis. This work aims at setting up an energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) spectrometer to analyse quantitatively size‐segregated samples obtained by these impactors. The analysis of cascade impactor samples by ED‐XRF is not customary; therefore, as additional consistency test some samples were analysed also by particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE), which is more frequently applied to size‐segregated samples characterised by small PM quantities. A very good agreement between ED‐XRF and PIXE results was obtained for all the detected elements in samples collected with both impactors. The good inter‐comparability proves that our methodology is reliable for analysing size‐segregated samples by ED‐XRF technique. The advantage of this approach is that ED‐XRF is cheaper, easier to use, and more widespread than PIXE, thus promoting an intensive use of multi‐stage impactors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of fossil bones by synchrotron radiation micro‐spectroscopic techniques and scanning electron microscopy

Earlymost Villafranchian fossil bones of an artiodactyl and a perissodactyl from the Milia excavation site in Grevena, Greece, were studied in order to evaluate diagenetic effects. Optical microscopy revealed the different bone types (fibro‐lamellar and Haversian, respectively) of the two fragments and their good preservation state. The spatial distribution of bone apatite and soil‐originating elements was studied using micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (µ‐XRF) mapping and scanning electron microscopy. The approximate value of the Ca/P ratio was 2.2, as determined from scanning electron microscopy measurements. Bacterial boring was detected close to the periosteal region and Fe bearing oxides were found to fill bone cavities, e.g. Haversian canals and osteocyte lacunae. In the perissodactyl bone considerable amounts of Mn were detected close to cracks (the Mn/Fe weight ratio takes values up to 3.5). Goethite and pyrite were detected in both samples by means of metallographic microscopy. The local Ca/P ratio determined with µ‐XRF varied significantly in metal‐poor spots indicating spatial inhomogeneities in the ionic substitutions. XRF line scans that span the bone cross sections revealed that Fe and Mn contaminate the bones from both the periosteum and medullar cavity and aggregate around local maxima. The formation of goethite, irrespective of the local Fe concentration, was verified by the Fe K‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectra. Finally, Sr K‐edge extended XAFS (EXAFS) revealed that Sr substitutes for Ca in bone apatite without obvious preference to the Ca₁ or Ca₂ unit‐cell site occupation.     

Calibration of berlinite (AlPO4) as Raman spectroscopic pressure sensor for diamond‐anvil cell experiments at elevated temperatures

Changes in the band position of the 462 and the 1111 cm^–1 A₁ modes of berlinite (AlPO₄) with temperature and pressure were determined in situ to 500°C and to 10 GPa using Raman spectroscopy and diamond‐anvil cells. These bands shift in opposite directions with pressure and, likewise, with temperature. At a known temperature, the relative difference of both band positions (Δν)_P,T can therefore be used as a pressure gauge that does not require calibration of the spectrometer. At ambient pressure, the observed temperature dependence of this relative difference of the line positions is very close to linear and can be described by (Δν)_{T, 0.1 MPa} (cm^–1) = 0.0181 T – 0.46 where 23 ≤ T (°C) ≤ 500. Along the 23°C isotherm to 10 GPa, pressure and relative wavenumber difference (Δν)_{P, 23°C} are related by the equation P (GPa) = 0.00083 [(Δν)_{P, 23°C}]² – 0.062 (Δν)_{P, 23°C}. Both equations can be combined to determine pressures at higher temperatures under the assumption that the change in (Δν)_P,T with pressure is insensitive to temperature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Time‐resolved XAFS measurement using quick‐scanning techniques at BSRF

A new quick‐scanning X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (QXAFS) system has been established on beamline 1W1B at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. As an independent device, the QXAFS system can be employed by other beamlines equipped with a double‐crystal monochromator to carry out quick energy scans and data acquisition. Both continuous‐scan and trapezoidal‐scan modes are available in this system to satisfy the time scale from subsecond (in the X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure region) to 1 min. Here, the trapezoidal‐scan method is presented as being complementary to the continuous‐scan method, in order to maintain high energy resolution and good signal‐to‐noise ratio. The system is demonstrated to be very reliable and has been combined with in situ cells to carry out time‐resolved XAFS studies.     

Time‐ and spatial‐resolved XAFS spectroscopy in a single shot: new analytical possibilities for in situ material characterization

A new concept that comprises both time‐ and lateral‐resolved X‐ray absorption fine‐structure information simultaneously in a single shot is presented. This uncomplicated set‐up was tested at the BAMline at BESSY‐II (Berlin, Germany). The primary broadband beam was generated by a double multilayer monochromator. The transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111) crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by either an energy‐sensitive area detector, the so‐called color X‐ray camera, or by an area‐sensitive detector based on a CCD camera, in θ–2θ geometry. The first tests were performed with thin metal foils and some iron oxide mixtures. A time resolution of lower than 1 s together with a spatial resolution in one dimension of at least 50 µm is achieved.     

Investigating structural aspects to understand the putative/claimed non‐toxicity of the Hg‐based Ayurvedic drug Rasasindura using XAFS

XANES‐ and EXAFS‐based analysis of the Ayurvedic Hg‐based nano‐drug Rasasindura has been performed to seek evidence of its non‐toxicity. Rasasindura is determined to be composed of single‐phase α‐HgS nanoparticles (size ～24 nm), free of Hg⁰ or organic molecules; its structure is determined to be robust (<3% defects). The non‐existence of Hg⁰ implies the absence of Hg‐based toxicity and establishes that chemical form, rather than content of heavy metals, is the correct parameter for evaluating the toxicity in these drugs. The stable α‐HgS form (strong Hg—S covalent bond and robust particle character) ensures the integrity of the drug during delivery and prevention of its reduction to Hg⁰ within the human body. Further, these comparative studies establish that structural parameters (size dispersion, coordination configuration) are better controlled in Rasasindura. This places the Ayurvedic synthesis method on par with contemporary techniques of nanoparticle synthesis.     

Correction for the effect of soil moisture on in situ XRF analysis using low‐energy background

X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses are affected by many matrix and geometrical factors that, generally, are possible to handle in laboratory conditions. However, when in situ analyses are considered, constraints in the measurement conditions make more difficult to handle some factors, such as moisture, affecting the measurement accuracy. Efforts have been made to correct some of the effects by inserting some steps in the sample preparation process. The problem is that each step added in this process, aiming a better precision and accuracy, makes the in situ measurement harder and longer to accomplish, influencing negatively the intrinsic advantages of the in situ measurement. In this work, we propose a method to correct the effect of soil moisture on in situ XRF analysis using low‐energy background. The method demands a simple calibration, after which a long drying procedure is not necessary before measuring the samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Developments of nano-polycrystalline diamond anvil cells for neutron diffraction experiments

ABSTRACT

A new high pressure cell for neutron diffraction experiments using nano-polycrystalline anvils is presented. The cell design, off-line pressure generation tests and a gas-loading procedure for this cell are described. The performance is illustrated by powder neutron diffraction patterns of ice VII to ～82?GPa. We also demonstrate the feasibility of single crystal neutron diffraction experiments of Fe₃O₄ at ambient conditions using this cell and discuss the current limitation and future developments.     

Stress measurement under high pressure using Kawai‐type multi‐anvil apparatus combined with synchrotron radiation

A system for stress measurement under high pressure has been developed at beamline BL04B1, SPring‐8, Japan. A Kawai‐type multi‐anvil apparatus, SPEED‐1500, was used to pressurize polycrystalline KCl to 9.9 GPa in a mechanically anisotropic cell assembly with the KCl sample sandwiched between dense Al₂O₃ pistons. The variation of deviatoric stress was determined from the lattice distortion measured using two‐dimensional X‐ray diffraction with monochromatic synchrotron X‐rays. The low‐pressure B1 phase transformed to the high‐pressure polymorph B2 during compression. The deviatoric stress increased with increasing pressure in both the B1 and B2 phases except for the two‐phase‐coexisting region at a pressure of 2–3 GPa. This new system provides one of the technical foundations for conducting precise rheological measurements at conditions of the Earth's lower mantle.     

High pressure studies using synchrotron radiation and tungsten carbide anvil cells

Abstract

High pressure studies have been carried out on a range of materials using the high pressure facility at the UK Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS). Custom-built Bridgman, Drickamer and belt-type cells (Häusermann et al., 1989) were used for this work. The compressibility of copper has been measured on the NaCl scale up to 100 kbar in the Bridgman and Drickamer type cells. The data obtained with the two cells are in agreement, but differ from those found in the literature.     

碳化硅压腔和高压下的中子衍射

使用宝石级碳化硅晶体作为压砧材料，成功研制出了碳化硅压腔（MAC），并应用全景式MAC进行了高压下物质的中子衍射实验研究。结果表明，MAC是一种既能产生高的压力又具有大的高压样品室的装置，特别适合于高压下的中子衍射研究。     

Non‐invasive time‐course imaging of apoptotic cells by confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy

Confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy (CRMS) was used to measure time‐course spectral images of live cells undergoing apoptosis without using molecular labels or other invasive procedures. Human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231) were exposed to 300 µM etoposide to induce apoptosis, and Raman spectral images were acquired from the same cells at 2‐h intervals over a period of 6 h. The purpose‐built inverted confocal Raman micro‐spectrometer integrated an environmental enclosure and wide‐field fluorescence imaging. These key instrumental elements allowed the cells to be maintained under sterile physiological conditions (37 °C, 5% CO₂) and enabled viability and apoptosis assays to be carried out on the cells at the end of CRMS measurements. The time‐course spectral images corresponding to DNA Raman bands indicated an increase in signal intensity in apoptotic cells, which was attributed to DNA condensation. The Raman spectral images of lipids indicated a high accumulation of membrane phospholipids and highly unsaturated non‐membrane lipids in apoptotic cells. This study demonstrates the potential of CRMS for label‐free time‐course imaging of individual live cells. This technique may become a useful tool for in vitro toxicological studies and testing of new pharmaceuticals, as well as other time‐dependent cellular processes, such as cell differentiation, cell cycle and cell–cell interactions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Portable multi‐anvil device for in situ angle‐dispersive synchrotron diffraction measurements at high pressure and temperature

A recently developed portable multi‐anvil device for in situ angle‐dispersive synchrotron diffraction studies at pressures up to 25 GPa and temperatures up to 2000 K is described. The system consists of a 450 ton V7 Paris–Edinburgh press combined with a Stony Brook `T‐cup' multi‐anvil stage. Technical developments of the various modifications that were made to the initial device in order to adapt the latter to angular‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction experiments are fully described, followed by a presentation of some results obtained for various systems, which demonstrate the power of this technique and its potential for crystallographic studies. Such a compact large‐volume set‐up has a total mass of only 100 kg and can be readily used on most synchrotron radiation facilities. In particular, several advantages of this new set‐up compared with conventional multi‐anvil cells are discussed. Possibilities of extension of the (P,T) accessible domain and adaptation of this device to other in situ measurements are given.     

碳化硅压腔和高压下的中子衍射

使用宝石级碳化硅晶体作为压砧材料,成功研制出了碳化硅压腔（MAC）,并应用全景式MAC进行了高压下物质的中子衍射实验研究.结果表明,MAC是一种既能产生高的压力又具有大的高压样品室的装置,特别适合于高压下的中子衍射研究.     

A new cell for X-ray absorption spectroscopy study under high pressure

X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the investigation of the local environment around selected atoms in condensed matter. XAFS under pressure is an important method for the synchrotron source. We design a cell for a high pressure XAFS experiment. Sintered boron carbide is used as the anvils of this high pressure cell in order to obtain a full XAFS spectrum free from diffraction peaks. In addition, a hydraulic pump was adopted to make in-suit pressure modulation. High quality XAFS spectra of ZrH2 under high pressure (up to 13 Gpa) were obtained by this cell.