An experiment demonstrating the capability of a symmetrical layout type double crystal monochromator controlled using electronic cam technology

A demonstration test of a newly developed double crystal monochromator was performed on beamline BL06 in the NewSUBARU synchrotron radiation facility of Hyogo University. Due to the symmetrical layout of the 1st crystal and 2nd crystal units of the monochromator, a maximum rotation speed of the main axis of up to 5.0 degrees/sec could be achieved. The monochromator is controlled by a newly developed control board programmed with an electronic cam algorithm. The control system allows the speed of both Z1 and Z2 axes to be successively synchronized as the Bragg angle changes. The Z 1 and Z 2 axes are moved apart by equal amounts from the center of gravity of the monochromator as the Bragg angle is increased. Also, the speed at which the Z1 and Z2 axes are moved apart increases with larger Bragg angle. This newly developed monochromator can maintain a stable exit beam height just as well as previous mechanical cam type monochromators proved on the height of the exit beam measured by an encoder system and observed by fluorescent screen. Due to the symmetrical layout and newly developed control system, the monochromator is suitable for industrial use because it can handle a wide energy range and allows high-throughput experiments to be carried out.