Nanoscale imaging of buried structures with elemental specificity using resonant x-ray diffraction microscopy

We report the first demonstration of resonant x-ray diffraction microscopy for element specific imaging of buried structures with a pixel resolution of approximately 15 nm by exploiting the abrupt change in the scattering cross section near electronic resonances. We performed nondestructive and quantitative imaging of buried Bi structures inside a Si crystal by directly phasing coherent x-ray diffraction patterns acquired below and above the Bi M5 edge. We anticipate that resonant x-ray diffraction microscopy will be applied to element and chemical state specific imaging of a broad range of systems including magnetic materials, semiconductors, organic materials, biominerals, and biological specimens.     

Framework for three-dimensional coherent diffraction imaging by focused beam x-ray Bragg ptychography

We present the framework for convergent beam Bragg ptychography, and, using simulations, we demonstrate that nanocrystals can be ptychographically reconstructed from highly convergent x-ray Bragg diffraction. The ptychographic iterative engine is extended to three dimensions and shown to successfully reconstruct a simulated nanocrystal using overlapping raster scans with a defocused curved beam, the diameter of which matches the crystal size. This object reconstruction strategy can serve as the basis for coherent diffraction imaging experiments at coherent scanning nanoprobe x-ray sources.     

Coherent control of phonons probed by time-resolved x-ray diffraction

Time-resolved x-ray diffraction with picosecond temporal resolution is used to probe the product state of a coherent control experiment in which a single acoustic mode in a bulk semiconductor is driven to large amplitude or canceled out. It is demonstrated that by shaping ultrafast acoustic pulses one can coherently control the x-ray diffraction efficiency of a crystal on the time scale of a vibrational period, with application to coherent switching of x-ray beams.     

Ultrafast laser-driven x-ray spectrometer for x-ray absorption spectroscopy of transition metal complexes

We report what are to our knowledge the first measurements of an x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectrum of solvated iron pentacarbonyl by use of an ultrafast laser-driven plasma x-ray source. This source is operating at a 2-kHz repetition rate. Hard x radiation that might falsify the XANES measurements is suppressed by an x-ray optical setup that consists of a fiber-optic lens and a silicon single crystal.     

High resolution 3D x-ray diffraction microscopy

We have imaged a 2D buried Ni nanostructure at 8 nm resolution using coherent x-ray diffraction and the oversampling phasing method. By employing a 3D imaging reconstruction algorithm, for the first time we have experimentally determined the 3D structure of a noncrystalline nanostructured material at 50 nm resolution. The 2D and 3D imaging resolution is currently limited by the exposure time and the computing power, while the ultimate resolution is limited by the x-ray wavelengths. We believe these results pave the way for the development of atomic resolution 3D x-ray diffraction microscopy.     

Multiple-wave diffraction in high energy resolution back-reflecting x-ray optics

We have studied the effects of multiple-wave diffraction in a novel optical scheme recently published by Shvyd'ko et?al. utilizing Bragg diffraction of x?rays in backscattering geometry from asymmetrically cut crystals for achieving energy resolutions beyond the intrinsic width of the Bragg reflection. By numerical simulations based on dynamic x-ray diffraction and by experimentation involving two-dimensional angular scans of the back-reflecting crystal, multiple-wave diffraction was found to contribute up to several tens percent loss of efficiency but can be avoided without degrading the energy resolution of the original scheme by careful choice of azimuthal orientation of the diffracting crystal surface and by tilting of the crystal perpendicular to the dispersion plane.     

Scanning LLL x-ray interferometry

A new formalism is presented for the theory of scanning LLL x-ray interferometry, which takes account also of the amount of x-ray absorption and of crystal yawing. It is based on the Takagi approach to the dynamical theory of x-ray diffraction and uses, to a great extent, the formalism of quantum mechanics, in order to reduce the algebraic complexity of the Ewald-von Laue approach. The formalism presented here is an easy-to-handle tool for the study of x-ray propagation in multicrystal systems and for the investigation into deviations of the travelling-fringe period from the spacing of diffracting planes, as it explains how interference features change when moving in paramater space.     

Formation of x-ray images by means of thermal action of a light beam on the surface of a diffracting crystal

The results of experimental investigations of the formation of the spatial structure of x-ray diffraction beams (x-ray images) from the KDP crystal surface under its illumination by a light beam spatially modulated in intensity are presented. A simulation of the x-ray image, depending on the parameters of the diffraction peak of a crystal and on the conditions of the creation of a temperature deformation field at its surface, has been carried out.     

Crystal optics as guard apertures for coherent x-ray diffraction imaging

A crucial issue in coherent x-ray diffraction imaging experiments is how to increase the signal-to-noise ratio when measuring relatively weak diffraction intensities from a nonperiodic object. A novel crystal guard aperture is described that makes use of a pair of multiple-bounce crystal optics to eliminate unwanted parasitic scattering background. This background is often produced by upstream optical elements such as a coherent-beam defining aperture. Recent experimental observation and theoretical analysis confirm the effectiveness of the crystal guard aperture method with coherence-preserved wave propagation through the crystal guard aperture and dramatically reduced scattering background in coherent x-ray diffraction images.     

Picosecond x-ray studies of coherent folded acoustic phonons in a multiple quantum well

Coherent folded acoustic phonons in a multilayered GaSb/InAs epitaxial heterostructure were generated by femtosecond laser pulses and studied by means of ultrafast x-ray diffraction. Coherent phonons excited simultaneously in the fundamental acoustic branch and the first back-folded branch were detected. This represents the first clear evidence for phonon branch folding based directly on the atomic motion to which x-ray diffraction is sensitive. From a comparison of the measured phonon-modulated x-ray reflectivity with simulations, evidence was found for a reduction of the laser penetration depth. This reduction can be explained by the self-modulation of the refractive index due to photogenerated free carriers.     

Simulation of the spatial structure of x-ray beams under conditions of the correction of the heat flow incident on a crystal

Simulation of the formation and correction processes of the spatial structure of x-ray diffraction beams (x-ray images) depending on the parameters of the crystal diffraction peak and on the conditions of the temperature deformation field formation at its surface has been performed. Methods for x-ray image contrast improvement are proposed.     

Defect cores investigated by x-ray scattering close to forbidden reflections in silicon

A new x-ray scattering method is presented making possible the detection of defects and the investigation of the structure of their cores. The method uses diffuse x-ray scattering measured close to a forbidden diffraction peak, in which the intensity scattered from the distorted crystal lattice around the defects is minimized. As a first example of this nondestructive method we demonstrate how the local compression of the extra {111} double planes in extrinsic stacking faults in Si can be probed and quantified using a continuum approach for the simulation of the displacements. The results of the theory developed are found to be in very good agreement with atomistic simulations and experiments.     

High pressure x-ray diffraction techniques with synchrotron radiation

This article summarizes the developments of experimental techniques for high pressure x-ray diffraction(XRD) in diamond anvil cells(DACs) using synchrotron radiation. Basic principles and experimental methods for various diffraction geometry are described, including powder diffraction, single crystal diffraction, radial diffraction, as well as coupling with laser heating system. Resolution in d-spacing of different diffraction modes is discussed. More recent progress, such as extended application of single crystal diffraction for measurements of multigrain and electron density distribution, timeresolved diffraction with dynamic DAC and development of modulated heating techniques are briefly introduced. The current status of the high pressure beamline at BSRF(Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility) and some results are also presented.     

Ultrafast structural dynamics using time-resolved x-ray diffraction driven by relativistic laser pulses

Based on a femtosecond laser plasma-induced hard x-ray source with a high laser pulse energy( 100 mJ) at 10 Hz repetition rate,we present a time-resolved x-ray diffraction system on an ultrafast time scale.The laser intensity is at relativistic regime(2 × 10~(19) W/cm~2),which is essential for effectively generating K_α source in high-Z metal material.The produced copper K_α radiation yield reaches to 2.5 × 10~8 photons/sr/shot.The multilayer mirrors are optimized for monochromatizating and two-dimensional beam shaping of K_α emission.Our experiment exhibits its ability of monitoring the transient structural changes in a thin film SrCoO_(2.5) crystal.It is demonstrated that this facility is a powerful tool to perform dynamic studies on samples and adaptable to the specific needs for different particular applications with high flexibility.     

Formation of x-ray images by the action of an optical image on a diffracting lithium niobate crystal

A possible mechanism for the formation and processing of an x-ray image using a corresponding optical image as a template is considered. The method is based on the thermal influence of light on the x-ray diffraction parameters of an LiNbO₃ crystal. A mechanism for the influence of the gradients of the temperature fields formed in the crystal on the x-ray structural parameters of the crystal is proposed. Information which permits the evaluation of some practical aspects of the application of the observed effect in technology is given. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 67, 76–79 (September 1997)     

Probing the local order of single phospholipid membranes using grazing incidence x-ray diffraction

We report the first grazing incidence x-ray diffraction measurements of a single phospholipid bilayer at the solid-liquid interface. Our grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and reflectivity measurements reveal that the lateral ordering in a supported DPPE (1, 2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine) bilayer is significantly less than that of an equivalent monolayer at the air-liquid interface. Our findings also indicate that the leaflets of the bilayer are uncoupled in contrast to the scattering from free standing phosphatidylcholine bilayers. The methodology presented can be readily implemented to study more complicated biomembranes and their interaction with proteins.     

Analysis of x-ray diffraction patterns for crystals subjected to certain kinds of external fields

We derive the dependence of the x-ray structure factor of a crystal on the characteristics of an external force field acting on the sample. Relations are obtained which enable a detailed analysis of the positions, heights, and peak shapes in the resulting diffraction patterns. Specific examples are presented of the diffraction patterns formed in the presence of certain types of external fields.S. Ordzhonikidza State Geologic Exploration Institute, Moscow. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 5, pp. 3–7, May, 1995.     

Coherence properties of individual femtosecond pulses of an x-ray free-electron laser

Measurements of the spatial and temporal coherence of single, femtosecond x-ray pulses generated by the first hard x-ray free-electron laser, the Linac Coherent Light Source, are presented. Single-shot measurements were performed at 780?eV x-ray photon energy using apertures containing double pinholes in "diffract-and-destroy" mode. We determined a coherence length of 17 μm in the vertical direction, which is approximately the size of the focused Linac Coherent Light Source beam in the same direction. The analysis of the diffraction patterns produced by the pinholes with the largest separation yields an estimate of the temporal coherence time of 0.55?fs. We find that the total degree of transverse coherence is 56% and that the x-ray pulses are adequately described by two transverse coherent modes in each direction. This leads us to the conclusion that 78% of the total power is contained in the dominant mode.     

Parametric x-ray radiation of a relativistic electron under conditions of asymmetric reflection

Coherent x-ray radiation of a relativistic electron crossing a single-crystal plate in the Laue scattering geometry is considered in a two-wave approximation of the dynamic diffraction theory [1]. Analytical expressions describing the spectral-angular distribution of parametric x-ray radiation (PXR) and diffraction transition radiation (DTR) formed on the atomic planes located at an angle δ to the crystal plate surface (asymmetric scattering) are derived. Dependence of the spectral-angular density of PXR, DTR, and their interference term on the angle δ is investigated. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 8, pp. 80–89, August, 2008.     

Resonant soft x-ray scattering from stepped surfaces of SrTiO3

We studied the resonant diffraction signal from stepped surfaces of SrTiO(3) at the Ti 2p → 3d (L(2,3)) resonance in comparison with x-ray absorption (XAS) and specular reflectivity data. The steps on the surface form an artificial superstructure suitable as a model system for resonant soft x-ray diffraction. A small step density on the surface is sufficient to produce a well defined diffraction peak. We determined the optical parameters of the sample across the resonance and found that the differences between the energy dependence of the x-ray absorption signal, the specular reflectivity and the step-related peak reflect the different quantities probed in these signals. When recorded at low incidence or detection angles, XAS and specular reflectivity spectra are strongly distorted by the changes of the angle of total reflection with energy. The resonant diffraction spectrum is less affected and can be used as a spectroscopic probe even in less favorable geometries.