Use of scattered radiation for absolute x-ray energy calibration

A small, simple, and effective x-ray energy monitor has been built for use in energy-sensitive experiments where normal transmission monitoring is not an option. The instrument uses x rays scattered elastically from air, thin polymer films, or other featureless scatterers as a secondary source for m easuring the transmission versus energy through a calibrated x-ray spectros copy standard. In general, this type of energy monitor can be made from man y combinations of detectors and scatterers, including ultrahigh vacuum comp atible components. We show experimental results from a miniature, p-i-n dio de-based monitor, which fits unobtrusively anywhere along the optical path of the experiment, and can be made easily from inexpensive and readily avai lable parts. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0034-6748(99)01101-6 ].