PolyX is a compact beamline for X-ray microimaging and X-ray microspectroscopy in the energy range 4-15 keV. The name PolyX originates from polycapillary X-ray optics that is used for X-ray focusing and from the possibility of using polychromatic X-rays to increase the X-ray flux from SOLARIS bending magnet in the hard X-ray energy range.

Experimental techniques

• X-ray microradiography and microtomography µCT  (absorption and phase contrast),
• X-ray fluorescence microscopy (µXRF),
• X-ray absorption (µXAS) and emission (µXES) spectroscopy.

PolyX enables imaging of 2D and 3D structure, elemental distribution, and chemical phases in investigated samples. 

PolyX is currently under construction and the start of operation is planned for 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PolyX may find applications in:

• biomedical sciences,
• material science, physics & chemistry,
• earth science & environmental sciences,
• cultural heritage.

The experimental geometry at PolyX can be easily reconfigured and the beamline has a dedicated area for user setups, which enables non-standard experiments and test. Potential PolyX users are encouraged to propose and consults non-standard experiments with PolyX staff.

Beamline parameters

Beamline Parameters

Source	Bending magnet (critical energy 2keV) Ee=1.5 GeV, B=1.31T, Imax=500 mA, σH=44 µm, σV=30 µm
Angular acceptance	1.5 mrad horizontally
Sample position	~14.5 m from the source
Energy range	4 – 15 keV
Operation modes	“White beam”: 1012 ph/s/mm2 “High flux”:  double multilayer monochromator (DMM): 1011 ph/s/mm2 (@8 keV), BW 1-2% “High resolution”: double crystal Si(111) monochromator (DCM): 109 ph/s/mm2 (at 8 keV), BW 2×10-4
Max. beam size	20 mm (H) × 4 mm (V) – non focused
Min, focus size	Polycapillary:  8 µm – 200 µm Monocapillary: 2 µm
Max. flux in 10 µm focal spot @ 8 keV	DMM: 1011 ph/s DCM:  109 ph/s
Sample environment	Air, helium, low vacuum (user setups)
Main techniques	Standard: X-ray microimaging and µCT (absorption and phase-contrast), µXRF, confocal µXRF , µXAS (wavelength and energy-dispersive), Non-standard: 3D multibeam X-ray microscopy, µXRF tomography, µXES, µXRD  + user ideas

 

Energy spectra

Energy spectra of PolyX simulated through a 1 mm × 1 mm pinhole at optics or sample position at 14.5 m from the bending magnet source (left, blue) and integrated vertically (right, orange). Simulation considers beamline window and X-ray attenuation in the air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy spectra of PolyX through a 1 mm × 1 mm pinhole at optics or sample position at 14.5 m for aluminum filters with various thickness. Legend lists the total number of photons/s in the white beam for each filter.