X-ray scattering tensor tomography with unprecedented speed

X-ray scattering tensor tomography with circular gratings. (a) Side view scheme of the experimental setup. The rotation stage is capable of tilt (h) in addition to conventional rotation (u). The x-rays propagate through the sample and (b) the circular phase grating array, reaching the (c) detector plane where the diffraction pattern of each single circular grating is formed in the corresponding square red box called the unit cell. Only 2x2 unit cells are shown in the schematic. The directional scattering signal is extracted along the green dotted line with an angle -pi/2

X-ray grating interferometry provides three complementary signals, based on absorption, differential phase and small-angle scattering contrast. X-ray scattering imaging can give access to microstructural information for features well below the setup resolution, in a large field of view, making this technique very interesting for the investigation of new materials. Recently, 2D omni-directional X-ray scattering sensitivity in a single shot has been demonstrated, paving the way to time resolved studies. The objective of this study is to extend 2D omni-directional X-ray scattering imaging to 3D without need for a priori knowledge on the scatterer shape and/or space organization. The proposed project will provide a more generalized directional sensitivity than achieved so far without need for a-priori knowledge on the scatterer shape and/or space organization. This aspect is important to efficiently study samples with structures of unknown orientation or with features with an orientation varying in space and time. The single shot characteristic of this technique will promote in-situ and/or time resolved studies at synchrotron facilities and open-up new opportunities for cutting-edge materials science applications.