Time-delayed beam splitting with energy separation of x-ray channels

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel, efficient, and simple method for time-delayed beam splitting of x-ray photons using energy separation with diamond crystals, suitable for x-ray free-electron laser applications.

Contribution

It introduces a new beam splitting technique based on energy separation with diamond crystals, enhancing efficiency and simplicity for x-ray interferometry.

Findings

High efficiency due to minimal optical elements

Potential for compact design with additional crystals

Suitable for beam sharing in x-ray free-electron lasers

Abstract

We introduce a time-delayed beam splitting method based on the energy separation of x-ray photon beams. It is implemented and theoretically substantiated on an example of an x-ray optical scheme similar to that of the classical Michelson interferometer. The splitter/mixer uses Bragg-case diffraction from a thin diamond crystal. Another two diamond crystals are used as back-reflectors. For energy separation the back-reflectors are set at slightly different temperatures and angular deviations from exact backscattering. Because of energy separation and a minimal number (three) of optical elements, the split-delay line has high efficiency and is simple to operate. Due to the high transparency of diamond crystal, the split-delay line can be used in a beam sharing mode at x-ray free-electron laser facilities. The delay line can be made more compact by adding a fourth crystal.