High resolution x-ray absorption spectroscopy using a laser plasma radiation source

Abstract

In this article we present a setup of a spectrometer for near edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the carbon K-edge (284 eV). The spectrometer works with a laser produced plasma as x-ray source and a single x-ray optical element in grazing incidence configuration called off-axis reflection zone plate. Using different sample foils we were able to demonstrate a spectral resolution of E/ΔE≈600. The positions of specific absorption peaks are in agreement with data measured at synchrotron sources. Since the off-axis zone plate is a focusing system, the x-ray flux in the detector plane is high enough to record an absorption spectrum on a charge-coupled device detector with a single shot. In the single shot modus a spectrum can be recorded before a sample degradation takes place. This will enable time-resolved experiments using pump-probe techniques.