Laboratory-based Analysis:

As for synchrotron-based analysis, XPLORAYTION offers counseling, support and implementation for experiments and analysis which can be realized with laboratory X-ray sources. Our strong connection to the Berlin Laboratory for innovative X-ray technologies (BLiX) creates rapid access to innovative X-ray methods for our customers.

BLiX is jointly operated by the Max Born Institute (MBI) for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy and the University of Technology Berlin (TUB). It is an application laboratory dedicated to bring X-ray technologies from the synchrotron to the laboratory. BLiX is part of the endowed professorship Analytical X-Ray Physics presided by Prof. Birgit Kanngießer. With its open structure and focus on innovation, BLiX brings together actors from research and industry to form an environment in which the development of innovative X-ray technologies thrives.

XPLORAYTION offers access and counseling to the following methods established at BLiX:

Laboratory X-ray Microscopy in the water-window for the 3D analysis of aqueous samples with resolutions down to 20 nm

3D Micro X-ray Fluorescence - element specific sample analysis with a spatial resolution in the 30 µm and a depth resolution in the order of 10 µm. An M4 Tornado (BRUKER nano GmbH) is available for users

Chemical Speciation in the Laboratory - Alpha demo tool (new spectrometer concept based on a von-Hamos-geometry and the use of crystals made from highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)) for both XANES/EXAFS. This concept allows high energy resolution and large solid angle of detection to be combined.

Soft X-ray Techniques in the Laboratory - Development of a highly brillant laser plasma based source for the EUV/soft x-ray range (100 .. 1200 eV) as well as appropriate optics. The BLiX laser produced plasma source is in operation and its spectral brightness is comparable to that of early synchrotrons. Spectrometer setups for near edge x-ray fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) with the possibilty to handle biological samples in its natural environment (wet chamber) are currently under commissioning.