J Synchrotron Rad

The March issue of IUCrJ is now available at journals.iucr.org/m/issues/202...

The March issue is now out bit.ly/4qZDbvS The cover image shows high-energy multimodal X-ray computed tomography capabilities, including imaging, fluorescence, diffraction and scattering, enabled at the 28-ID-2 beamline of NSLS II bit.ly/4rHOlXn

Comparing image quality of synchrotron and laboratory nano-CT scans: a round robin study A multi-facility round-robin comparison of synchrotron- and laboratory-based nano-computed tomography using a standardized 3D phantom reveals superior resolution and acquisition speed at synchrotrons, while advanced laboratory systems achieve competitive image quality with extended scan times; phase contrast modalities further enhance structural visibility.

Simon Wittl et al.: Comparing image quality of synchrotron and laboratory nano-CT scans: a round robin study #NanoCT #SynchrotronRadiation #ModulationTransferFunction @esrfsynchrotron@UGrenobleAlpes...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S160057752600086X

X-ray computed tomography scanning schemes and reconstruction capabilities at the BAMline (BESSY II) An X-ray computed tomography scanning approach available at the BAMline effectively removes ring artifacts and enables real-time preview reconstruction through sequence-based step-scanning. Additionally, integrated X-ray spectral calculation software streamlines beamline adjustments for optimized imaging performance.

H. Markötter et al.: X-ray computed tomography scanning schemes and reconstruction capabilities at the BAMline (BESSY II) #SynchrotronXRayImaging #ComputedTomography #PreviewReconstruction ... #IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526001177

Multifunctional bending magnet beamline with a capillary optic for X-ray fluorescence studies of metals in tissue sections We describe a bending magnet endstation for X-ray fluorescence studies of metal distributions in millimetre-sized biological specimens. An existing setup using Kirkpatrick–Baez mirrors with 10.5 µm spatial resolution was supplemented with a second scanning setup with a capillary optic with 6.5 µm resolution.

Benjamin Roter et al.: Multifunctional bending magnet beamline with a capillary optic for X-ray fluorescence studies of metals in tissue sections @NorthwesternU@michiganstateu@advancedphoton@JohnsHopkins...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000925

High-energy synchrotron X-ray multimodal computed tomography: enabling multiscale materials characterization at NSLS-II The development of multimodal X-ray computed tomography capabilities, including imaging, fluorescence, diffraction, and scattering, at the 28-ID-2 beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source II is described.

M​ehmet Topsakal et al.: High-energy synchrotron X-ray multimodal computed tomography: enabling multiscale materials characterization at NSLS-II #XRayDiffraction #XRayImaging @BrookhavenLab@UGrenobleAlpes...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526001104

Coherence evaluation and first demonstration of multi-contrast X-ray computed tomography on NanoTerasu BL09W with an X-ray Talbot interferometer Coherence properties were evaluated and multi-contrast X-ray computed tomography was demonstrated using an X-ray Talbot interferometer on the NanoTerasu beamline BL09W. The results confirm the high spatial coherence and imaging performance of the source, paving the way for advanced X-ray phase imaging.

Ryosuke Ueda et al.: Coherence evaluation and first demonstration of multi-contrast X-ray computed tomography on NanoTerasu BL09W with an X-ray Talbot interferometer @EuropeanXFEL@UTokyo_News@TokyoGakugei...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000512

Fluorescence-line-selective soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy: a novel approach to element-specific electronic structure analysis Fluorescence-line-selective soft X-ray spectroscopy using a superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) detector was applied to probe the electronic states of strontium titanate, demonstrating the capability of the STJ detector for high-energy-resolution soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Kota Naito et al.: Fluorescence-line-selective soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy: a novel approach to element-specific electronic structure analysis #SuperconductingTunnelJunction @HiroshimaUnivEn...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000615

Non-uniform interval-pulse X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy for reduced exposure In this work, non-uniform interval-pulse X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy enabled the measurement of dynamics efficiently while reducing X-ray exposure by two orders of magnitude. This approach facilitates dense delay-time sampling and minimizes radiation damage, offering a powerful tool for studying sensitive systems.

Hoshino and Tang: Non-uniform interval-pulse X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy for reduced exposure #XRayPhotonCorrelationSpectroscopy #XRaySpeckleVisibilitySpectroscopy #XRayRadiationDamage @TohokuUniPR...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S160057752600038X

A fast X-ray shutter for high-power beams A fast thermally resilient X-ray shutter achieves 2 ms switching under heat loads above 20 W, enabling efficient photon use and minimizing radiation damage at fourth-generation synchrotron sources.

Thierry Lachat et al.: A fast X-ray shutter for high-power beams #FastXRayShutter #PiezoShutter #BeamlineInstrumentation @psich_en...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000482

Channel-cut monochromator withstanding incident powers above 400 W on undulator beamlines. Corrigendum Corrigendum to the article by Yamazaki et al. [(2026). J. Synchrotron Rad. 33, 84–90].

Hiroshi Yamazaki et al.: Channel-cut monochromator withstanding incident powers above 400 W on undulator beamlines. Corrigendum #ChannelCutMonochromators #DoubleChannelCut #CryogenicCooling @riken_en...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526001116

Experience with the Jungfrau-1M detector at Diamond Light Source A Jungfrau-1M integrating detector was characterized at Diamond Light Source and found to be effective for recording macromolecular crystallography diffraction patterns. Parameters for operation and data collection were explored and characterized. The Diamond facility will be upgraded and integrating detectors, such as Jungfrau, will be used more widely in the future.

John Matheson et al.: Experience with the Jungfrau-1M detector at Diamond Light Source #IntegratingDetectors #MacromolecularCrystallography #SynchrotronScience @DiamondLightSou@psich_en@argonne...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000342

High-speed quantitative X-ray multi-contrast imaging with deep learning based modulated pattern analysis This work presents a neural-network framework that accelerates X-ray multi-contrast imaging—simultaneously delivering absorption, phase, and dark-field, while maintaining high spatial resolution, and outperforms correlation-based methods in speed, achieving a favorable balance between resolution and throughput. The method is agnostic to the modulation source (sandpaper, coded masks, gratings), enabling flexible deployment across setups and supporting real-time 2D/3D quantitative imaging for high-speed, in situ studies in materials science and biomedical applications.

Zhi Qiao et al.: High-speed quantitative X-ray multi-contrast imaging with deep learning based modulated pattern analysis #PhaseContrastImaging #WavefrontSensing @ShanghaiTechUni@advancedphoton...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000846

An accelerated framework for high-resolution X-ray holographic reconstruction HiHolo, a high-performance CUDA-MPI software framework for X-ray holographic reconstruction, achieves performance improvement over existing solutions while introducing three enhanced iterative algorithms that effectively reduce artifacts and improve spatial resolution in propagation-based phase contrast imaging.

Jiarui Hu et al.: An accelerated framework for high-resolution X-ray holographic reconstruction #XRayImaging #Holography #PhaseRetrieval ... #IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000275

X-ray waveguide optics at GINIX/P10 PETRA III: recent progress and future directions X-ray waveguide optics enable spatial and coherence filtering of a nano-focused synchrotron beam and provide tailored illumination wavefronts for holographic imaging. Progress in fabrication, characterization and advanced waveguide interferometers can enhance holographic imaging.

Tim Salditt et al.: X-ray waveguide optics at GINIX/P10 PETRA III: recent progress and future directions #XRayOptics #XRayWaveguides #HoloTomography @desy@desynews...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011567

A compact two-electrode field-emission X-ray source for soft X-ray spectroscopy applications Here, a compact two-electrode field-emission X-ray source employing a tungsten blade cathode was developed to deliver stable low-background output optimized for soft X-ray spectroscopy. The device's capability for high signal-to-noise element-specific analysis was demonstrated through successful TiO2 emission spectroscopy at the SXFEL facility, offering a practical laboratory-scale alternative to synchrotron sources.

Junlin Li et al.: A compact two-electrode field-emission X-ray source for soft X-ray spectroscopy applications #FieldEmissionXRaySources #SoftXRaySpectroscopy #XES ... #IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S160057752501166X

The design of a low-cost 3D printed flow cell for synchrotron computed microtomography We present and demonstrate the use of a low-cost 3D printed flow cell for the study of liquid–solid systems using synchrotron computed microtomography. The designs are freely available with this publication.

Liam Perera et al.: The design of a low-cost 3D printed flow cell for synchrotron computed microtomography #SynchrotronMicrotomography #FlowCell #ThreeDPrinting @DiamondLightSource@EdinburghUni...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000123

Minimization of thermal deformation in crystal optics for high-repetition-rate FEL Thermal deformation in X-ray crystal optics in high-repetition-rate X-ray free-electron lasers can be effectively reduced by cryogenic cooling with liquid nitro­gen, and possibly by second-order correction via focusing optics.

Lin Zhang et al.: Minimization of thermal deformation in crystal optics for high-repetition-rate FEL #FreeElectronLaser #XRayCrystalOptics #PulseByPulseTransientThermalDeformation @SLAClab...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011658

Theoretical framework for soft X-ray Fourier transform spectroscopy using the Wigner function A theoretical framework for the propagation of partially coherent Gaussian radiation in a modified Mach–Zehnder interferometer designed for Fourier transform spectroscopy applications is presented.

Chuzida Chen et al.: Theoretical framework for soft X-ray Fourier transform spectroscopy using the Wigner function #TheoreticalDemonstrationsOfFourierTransformSpectroscopy @advlightsource@BerkeleyLab@UCBerkeley...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011452

Proposal of a novel APPLE-KNOT undulator by selecting the KNOT field as the dominant magnetic field The degradation of circular polarization state in conventional APPLE-KNOT undulators has been noted. To overcome this limitation, we propose a novel APPLE-KNOT undulator design which utilizes the KNOT magnetic field as the dominant component.

Binghao Zhang et al.: Proposal of a novel APPLE-KNOT undulator by selecting the KNOT field as the dominant magnetic field #APPLEKNOTAKUndulator #PeriodRatio #FieldStrengthRatio ... #IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577526000159

High-throughput X-ray total scattering measurement system at BL04B2 of SPring-8 A high-throughput X-ray total scattering system was newly installed in BL04B2, achieving more than ten times faster acquisition times than those of the conventional setup.

Hiroki Yamada et al.: High-throughput X-ray total scattering measurement system at BL04B2 of SPring-8 #PairDistributionFunctions #BeamlineBL04B2 #HighEnergyXRayTotalScattering @okayama_uni@kinkidaigakuPR@riken_en...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011294

Demonstration of a family of X-ray dark-field retrieval approaches on a common set of samples This study aims to guide users of dark-field imaging in selecting the most suitable technique for their imaging goals. To this end, we provide a summary table and highlight opportunities for future research into the sources of dark-field contrast across emerging methods.

Samantha J. Alloo et al.: Demonstration of a family of X-ray dark-field retrieval approaches on a common set of samples #XRayDarkField #SpeckleBasedImaging #PropagationBasedImaging @MonashUni@TU_Muenchen...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011403

Framework for X-ray mirror surface shape fitting The closed-form expressions for elliptic cylinders, hyperbolic cylinders, ellipsoids, hyperboloids, and diaboloids used for X-ray mirror surface shapes are summarized. Additionally, a four-layer framework to fit the measured surface shape data in slope or height for convenient X-ray mirror surface characterization is proposed.

Lei Huang et al.: Framework for X-ray mirror surface shape fitting #XRayMirror #MirrorCharacterization #SurfaceShapeFitting @BrookhavenLab@osaka_univ_e@ALBAsynchrotron@advlightsource...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011282

Experimental control system of the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism endstation at Hefei Light Source-II An Experimental Control System leveraging Bluesky and EPICS has been developed for the X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism endstation at Hefei Light Source-II. The design of a simulation debugging environment and the performance of three distinct scan modes have also been discussed.

Anbo Kong et al.: Experimental control system of the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism endstation at Hefei Light Source-II #Bluesky #DataAcquisition #EPICS ... #IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S160057752501135X

Increasing X-ray energy improves data quality in serial crystallography Advanced serial crystallography utilizing high-energy X-rays enhances diffraction efficiency, data quality and structural resolution under room-temperature conditions.

Robin Owen et al.: Increasing X-ray energy improves data quality in serial crystallography #HighEnergyXRays #SerialCrystallography #RadiationDamage @DiamondLightSource...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011063

Defocused illumination with beam-shaping condenser for uniform wide-field X-ray imaging A defocused illumination method based on a beam-shaping condenser to suppress fringe artifacts arising from rectangular aperture diffraction and sub-grating interference is developed, providing an effective and practical approach for achieving wide-field and uniform illumination in X-ray microscopy.

Kuanqiang Zhang et al.: Defocused illumination with beam-shaping condenser for uniform wide-field X-ray imaging #BeamShapingCondenser #DefocusedIllumination #DiffractionFringes ... #IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011373

Time-resolved 3D imaging opportunities with XMPI at ForMAX The first implementation of X-ray multi-projection imaging (XMPI) at the ForMAX beamline (MAX IV) enables the acquisition of multiple projections simultaneously without requiring sample rotation. This approach facilitates volumetric studies of fast dynamics at frame rates of 12.5 kHz with micrometre resolution, with the potential of even higher speeds, surpassing the limitations of state-of-the-art methods like time-resolved tomography.

Julia Katharina Rogalinski et al.: Time-resolved 3D imaging opportunities with XMPI at ForMAX #TimeResolved3DImaging #XRayImaging #XRayMultiProjectionImaging @lunduniversity@MAXIVLaboratory...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525011038

Simultaneous lasing of Ni Kα and Cu Kα lasers from an alloy foil irradiated with an intense X-ray free-electron laser pulse We successfully achieved simultaneous lasing of 7.48 keV Ni Kα1 and 8.05 keV Cu Kα1 emissions using an intense X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) pulse. This achievement – the realization of simultaneous two-color X-ray lasing using a single-color XFEL pulse – is expected to advance the development of X-ray lasers and their applications.

Yuichi Inubushi et al.: Simultaneous lasing of Ni Kα and Cu Kα lasers from an alloy foil irradiated with an intense X-ray free-electron laser pulse #SingleShotXRaySpectroscopy #KLaser @riken_en@spring8pr@osaka_univ_e...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525010914

A double-crystal bent Laue parallel-beam compressor An application of bent Laue crystals as X-ray optics to increase beam intensity in bending-magnet beamlines at synchrotron facilities is presented.

Rhoades and Chapman: A double-crystal bent Laue parallel-beam compressor #BeamCompressor #BentLaueDiffraction #DoubleCrystalMonochromator @usask...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525009609

Signal-to-noise and spatial resolution in in-line imaging. 3. Optimization using a simple model Geometrical magnification and X-ray energy are optimized with respect to spatial resolution, contrast, noise, radiation dose and other image quality characteristics. The optimization is performed using a simple theoretical model of a homogeneous edge feature embedded in a bulk uniform sample, and the resulting generic analytical expressions for image quality characteristics are evaluated for several sets of parameters relevant to synchrotron-based in-line X-ray imaging setups.

Timur E. Gureyev et al.: Signal-to-noise and spatial resolution in in-line imaging. 3. Optimization using a simple model #XRayImaging #ComputedTomography #PhaseContrast @unimelb@MonashUni...#IUCr https://journals.iucr.org/paper?S1600577525010732