Designing a nanoscale x-ray source: towards single molecule x-ray scattering

This thesis describes the design and construction of a femtosecond X-ray source based on high harmonic generation in an argon filled hollow capillary waveguide. The system has demonstrated excellent efficiency at generating harmonics in the range 20-50 eV and is tuneable by exploiting the ionization-induced blue-shift that occurs in the waveguide. The X-ray source is designed for X-ray scattering experiments, which will ultimately allow the imaging of single biomolecules. Such experiments will require an intense, focused X-ray beam. Towards this aim, this thesis demonstrates focusing techniques based on tapered capillary optics, including a model that was developed to understand their behaviour.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Ph.D.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Southampton

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Froud, Christopher Andrew