Design and feasibility of quick EXAFS scans for a `broomstick' double-crystal monochromator at PLS beamline

Abstract

A data-collection technique for quick extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (QEXAFS) was developed with a new `broomstick' double-crystal monochromator, which has been installed for X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) applications at the Pohang Light Source. The monochromator operates in a fixed-exit scan mode as the Bragg angle is varied from 8 to 80°, corresponding to 2–14 keV, using an Si(111) crystal. The monochromator scan capability was investigated by analysing EXAFS data quality from step-scan and from continuous rotation of the Bragg crystal reflection angle. In our fast continuous-scan design, the electronic pulsing speed of the step motor is adjustable to avoid the monochromatic beam instability caused by serious mechanical resonance. The feasibility of QEXAFS scanning is demonstrated by a typical EXAFS scan (e.g. 1 keV range) being taken within 1 min.