Diamond channel-cut crystals for high-heat-load beam-multiplexing narrow-band X-ray monochromators

Next-generation high-brilliance X-ray photon sources call for new X-ray optics. Here we demonstrate the possibility of using monolithic diamond channel-cut crystals as high-heat-load beam-multiplexing narrow-band mechanically stable X-ray monochromators with high-power X-ray beams at cutting-edge high-repetition-rate X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. The diamond channel-cut crystals fabricated and characterized in these studies are designed as two-bounce Bragg reflection monochromators directing 14.4 or 12.4 keV X-rays within a 15 meV bandwidth to Fe-57 or Sc-45 nuclear resonant scattering experiments, respectively. The crystal design allows out-of-band X-rays transmitted with minimal losses to alternative simultaneous experiments. Only less than or similar to 2% of the incident similar to 100 W X-ray beam is absorbed in the 50 mu m-thick first diamond crystal reflector, ensuring that the monochromator crystal is highly stable. Other X-ray optics applications of diamond channel-cut crystals are anticipated.

Automated summary

Monolithic diamond channel-cut crystals can serve as high-heat-load beam-multiplexing narrow-band X-ray monochromators for high-power X-ray beams in cutting-edge XFEL facilities. The design ensures high stability and minimal loss for out-of-band X-ray transmission.