Performance of a picosecond x-ray delay line unit at 8.39 keV

A prototype device capable of splitting an x-ray pulse into two adjustable fractions, delaying one of them with the aim to perform x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and pump-probe type studies, was designed, manufactured, and tested. The device utilizes eight perfect silicon crystals in vertical 90 degrees scattering geometry. Its performance has been verified with 8.39 keV synchrotron radiation. The measured throughput of the device with a Si(333) premonachromator at 8.39 keV under ambient conditions is 0.6%. Time delays up to 2.62 ns have been achieved, detected with a time resolution of 16.7 ps. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America