Crystal monochromator with a resolution beyond 108

Abstract

Monochromatization with crystal diffraction has been achieved to a resolution (λ/Δλ) beyond 108. The monchromator is specifically designed for 23.880 keV synchrotron radiation (A = 51.9pm) for applications involving nuclear resonant scattering from 119Sn. The design uses asymmetrically cut silicon (12 12 12) crystal reflections from two single-crystalline monoliths oriented in a dispersive geometry. A transmitted energy bandwidth of 140 ± 20 μeV was measured, corresponding to a resolution of 1.7 × 108. Methods of improving efficiency, wavelength stability and resolution arc discussed.