Diamond Beam Flux, Timing and Position Monitors for Synchrotron Radiation Facilities

The effectiveness of synchrotron radiation science has been hindered by the limited availability of advanced diagnostics. In many cases, the capability to produce photon fluxes has outpaced the ability to detect and measure the resultant photons. Synchrotron applications are becoming more demanding as beamlines are being designed with brighter sources, smaller focal spots, and wider energy ranges within a single beamline. A novel diamond-based transmission beam monitor has been shown to have unprecedented linear behavior combined with the ability to determine intensity, position, and timing suitable to meet the user demand for increasingly high flux, small focus size, and beam stability. Products based on this novel concept will provide a valuable new tool to fully utilize the worlds brightest synchrotrons. Researchers at national laboratories have developed proof-of-principle monitors that demonstrated the core capability of the diamond-based monitors in terms of measuring beam flux and position. The proposed program builds upon these developments and takes a broader look at the needs of the Synchrotron radiation community in contrast to the current state of development. Phase I completed a commercial engineering study on the existing technology and determined it is feasible to produce a suite of diamond detectors to meet current and future diagnostics needs. The research focused on developing a clear understanding of the current state of technology development, end-user requirements, manufacturing requirements, and advancements required for Phase II and beyond. The Phase I findings indicate the manufacturing of commercial, diamond-based beam position monitors is feasible; and there is an immediate and growing demand for these devices today. The Phase II program is designed to complete the feasibility investigations started during Phase I and advance specific manufacturing techniques to the point that they can be utilized to produce prototype devices for performance evaluation. Three prototype devices will be developed. These prototypes represent a cross section of the requirements studied in Phase I, and will push the technology in areas that address the more challenging future requirements. If successful, the Phase II research will position the technology for rapid commercial deployment in Phase III. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This program will provide commercial beam monitors with functionality not available today: an x- ray beam monitor robust enough to accommodate the high x-ray beam fluxes from 3rd generation synchrotron beamlines, while also retaining the sensitivity to observe monochromatic beams on a per pulse basis. In addition, it will enable closed loop beam diagnostics to aid in the troubleshooting and optimization of current and future beamlines throughout Synchrotron radiation community.