CXI (Coherent X-ray Imaging)

The CXI instrument uses unique hard X-ray pulses in a vacuum sample environment to provide low background suitable for forward scattering experiments and weakly scattering systems

The CXI primarily uses the “diffraction-before-destruction” method, a technique to quickly acquire data with ultrashort pulses during measurement before the sample is destroyed. This benefits systems that suffer from electronic and structural damage during long-term exposures to X-rays.

Capabilities

A variety of tools and devices enable CXI to utilize X-ray emission spectroscopy, back-scattering, small and wide angle scattering, and ion and electron time of flight spectroscopy.

A flexible pump laser system is available for time-resolved experiments in the femtosecond time scale. Samples can be introduced to the X-ray beam either fixed on targets or in a liquid jet.

Experiments at atmospheric pressure are possible under certain limited circumstances. High quality Kirkpatrick-Baez focusing optics are available to generate three foci (10, 1 and 0.1 micron) in the 5-10.5keV range. Photon energies greater than 10.5keV can be used by focusing with compound refractive lenses to a focal size of >2 microns.

For more information about CXI instrument, please read the article:

Liang et al., The Coherent X-ray Imaging instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source. J. Synchrotron Rad. (2015), 22, 514-519

Location

The CXI instrument is located in Hutch 5 of the Far Experimental Hall of LCLS. The hutch is 20 m long by 7 m wide and located 440 m away from the LCLS source.