Browsing by Author "Pelliccia, D"

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    Characterisation of embedded nano-precipitates by x-ray diffraction imaging and small-angle x-ray scattering
    (InderScience Publishers, 2014) Pelliccia, D; Andrei, YN; Kirby, N; Hester, JR
    We report on the characterisation of embedded Al2Cu nanoparticles in Al matrix by X-ray diffraction imaging and small-angle X-ray scattering. We employed direct retrieval of the average morphological characteristics of the nanoparticles from their diffraction pattern. Data suggest the possibility of acquiring truly 3D information with X-ray diffraction imaging. Validation of the results obtained with small-angle X-ray scattering is reported. © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
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    Characterization of thin films for X-ray and neutron waveguiding by x-ray reflectivity and atomic force microscopy
    (Wiley-VCH Verlag GMBH, 2013-11-01) Pelliccia, D; Kandasamy, S; James, M
    X-ray and neutron guiding in thin-film waveguides are finding numerous applications, such as sub-micron beam production for X-ray microscopy, and applications in neutron interferometric devices and polarizers. Thin-film waveguides are composed of a three-layer stack where the central layer, displaying low absorption for X-rays/neutrons, act as a guiding film. The utilization of such systems with low brilliance X-rays and neutron sources, requires the thickness of the guiding film to be increased. The efficiency of the waveguides critically depends on the thickness of the guiding layer and its surface roughness. In this paper we address the problem of producing relatively thick and smooth guiding layers for a high efficiency, thin-film neutron waveguide. We have produced a Ni/Al/Ni tri-layer structure with a 500 nm thick Al layer optimized for neutron waveguiding. The characterization is performed by complementary X-ray reflectometry and atomic force microscopy. The surface roughness estimation by mean of the two methods is presented and discussed. We show that a combination of sputtering/evaporation processes is beneficial in reducing the roughness of the Al film. © 2013, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA
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    The imaging and medical beamline is expanding
    (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2021-11-24) Häusermann, D; McKinlay, J; Morey, C; Pelliccia, D
    Synchrotron radiation has many advantages, but it is also flawed. And its biggest flaw happens to be its fundamental intrinsic property! The radiation is emitted in the plane of the stored beam and we are stuck with the infamous ‘letterbox door’ beam profile. At least when not tinkering with focused undulator beams. In clinical imaging research, this beam shape is a serious disadvantage. In fact, when compared with the field of view of commercial medical imaging devices, it is often the showstopper when engaging with a clinician to discuss medical application of the IMBL. So how will we image human patients in 2022, as part of our world leading research project in breast CT imaging and cancer detection? Our vertical ‘letter box opening’ at 135 meter is 3 cm, at 35 keV, with a roll off of 50%. This is far from ideal for imaging the breasts of a patient lying in a prone position on our robotic positioning and scanning stage. Consequently, we have designed and tested a Bragg-Bragg beam expander to be placed downstream of our double-bent-Laue primary monochromator. The net result is an 8 cm vertical beam profile at 135 meter, with minimal roll off, to match the vertical field of view of our new EIGER2 CdTe X 3M clinical detector. This paper will present the design of our beam expander and the results of our in-air tests. This device will be installed in vacuum in the next machine shutdown. © 2021 The Authors