A NEW RAPID SCANNING, DECIMETER SCALE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPIC IMAGING STATION AT THE STANFORD SYNCHROTRON RADIATION LIGHTSOURCE (CA, USA)

Here we describe a new rapid scanning X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic imaging station at the Stanford Synchrotron Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, beam line 6-2 (SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, CA, USA). This station has been optimized for elemental imaging of large and heavy samples, with a scan range of 1m x 0.6m and a load capacity of 25kg. It has an energy range of 2-18 keV inducing measurable K-emission of Al – Br, and L and M emission of most of the other elements. This station also has the capability to quickly and simply change x-ray spot size via pinholes and focusing mirrors (100 microns to ~1 micron). This allows large surface areas to be imaged in short time frames (e.g. 100mm/s at 100 micron resolution), from which areas of interest can be targeted for higher resolution imaging. Additionally, high quality X-ray absorption spectroscopy can also be performed within the same experimental setup, allowing the atomic chemical characterization of these elements. Imaging of the sample at several incident energies. Producing chemical image maps, can also be achieved. Data collected from beamline 6-2 will be shown, clearly demonstrating the potential and flexibility of this beamline in the analysis of a wide range of materials from extant biological to geological samples.