I08 is a soft and tender X-ray microscopy beamline optimised for the analysis of the interaction of organic and inorganic matter on microscopic and nanoscopic scales. It is used for morphological, elemental and chemical speciation in a broad photon energy range, which is unique across global SXM facilities. I08 welcomed first users in July 2014, a year ahead of original plans, and is currently operated in optimisation mode.
I08 has a range of applications including biological and biomedical science, earth and environmental science, geochemistry and materials science. The central theme of the beamline is the ability to obtain morphological and chemically-specific information on a full range of materials (inorganic/organic), providing a facility that is unique worldwide. I08 uses radiation in the 250 to 4400 eV photon energy range. The operating energy range encompasses a significant number of important K and L absorption edges for lowand medium-Z elements for SXM elemental and chemical analysis, combined with complementary imaging and spectroscopic techniques including absorption spectromicroscopy and elemental mapping. Samples are able to be studied under room temperature or cryogenic conditions with lateral resolutions down to sub-30 nm depending on the imaging mode and photon energy.
The past year has seen I08 demonstrate an improved Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) performance for low mass elements, especially carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. In autumn 2015 the first soft X-ray diffraction (ptychography) measurements were carried out on the beamline in preparation for the technique to be opened up to all users in 2017. I08 commenced a project on a dedicated branchline for soft X-ray diffraction imaging (ptychography). This branchline will be optimised for soft X-ray spectromicroscopy and tomography at sub-10 nm length scales, and is expected to be operational in 2018.
To find out more about the I08-SXM beamline, contact the Principal Beamline Scientist, Dr Burkhard Kaulich: burkhard.kaulich@diamond.ac.uk
Reactivity and bioavailability of Fe nanoparticles in glacial melt waters from the Arctic. Left: Fe difference map. Right: Cluster analysis of oxidation states. Courtesy of Jon Hawkings, University of Bristol, and Liane G. Benning.
“I08 gives us unique data on distributions and speciations on light elements that are otherwise not feasible. The ability to map at this resolution, allows us to determine the nature of heterogeneities in our complex environmental samples.”
Professor Liane G. Benning, University of Leeds and German Research Centre for Geosciences
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