Diamond shines in first real test

Researchers from Royal Holloway, University of London have been the first to use the Diamond Light Source’s new test beamline.

Synchrotron x-rays were used to examine imperfections in industrial diamonds

The team used the beam to examine industrial diamonds in order to test their new collimator technology. They are using characteristic and synchrotron x-rays to map crystal imperfections in materials. Professor Moreton Moore from the group, who has spent much of his career studying imperfections in industrial diamonds, used the precious stones to test their purpose-built scanning x-ray microscope, which uses collimator technology.

Professor Moore says: “The technologies that we’re working on will open up a new kind of microscopy enabling us to use hard X-rays to look at a variety of samples, such as metals and minerals, and including insulators, without the need for a vacuum.

Industrial made diamonds often contain small inclusions of metal that can be deposited during the synthesis process. The group from Royal Holloway separated out the defects by channelling hard x-rays at diamonds through their microscope.

“Testing this equipment was required and using Diamond to study diamond to do so has been great. The Test beamline has enabled us to use our scanning X-ray microscope as it would be used in practice to figure out where improvements need to be made,” said Professor Moore.

The Test beamline, also known as B16, can be used to test optical components by external academics and industry. Dr Kawal Sawhney, Principal Beamline Scientist, says: “B16 is extremely important to the success of the other beamlines at Diamond. It enables us to push our capabilities and advance the technology that is available to users, without interrupting the schedule of the other beamlines, ultimately resulting in better, cutting-edge science.

By Leila Sattary