Small angle x-ray scattering with a beryllium compound refractive lens as focusing optic

At BW4 at HASYLAB a beryllium compound refractive lens (Be-CRL) is used for the focusing in small-angle x-ray scattering experiments. Using it provides the advantages of higher long-term stability and a much easier alignment compared to a setup with focusing mirrors. In our investigations presented here, we show the advantages of using a Be-CRL in small-angle and also ultra small-angle x-ray scattering. We investigated the beam characteristics at the sample position with respect to spot size and photon flux. The spot size is comparable to that of a setup with focusing mirrors but with a gain in flux and better long-term stability. It is also shown that plane mirrors are still necessary to suppress higher order energies passing the monochromator.