High brightness X-ray absorption spectroscopy system

An x-ray absorption measurement system, comprising:

• an x-ray source comprising:
• a vacuum chamber;
• a window transparent to x-rays attached to the wall of the vacuum chamber;
• and, within the vacuum chamber:
• at least one electron beam emitter, and
• an anode target comprising:
• a substrate comprising a first selected material, and
• a planar first surface, from which thickness is measured in a direction perpendicular to the first planar surface, and
• two orthogonal lateral dimensions are measured parallel to the first planar surface;
• and
• a plurality of discrete structures embedded into the first planar surface of the substrate such that each of the plurality of discrete structures is in thermal contact with the substrate, the plurality of discrete structures comprising:
• one or more materials selected for its x-ray generation properties;
• in which at least two of the plurality of discrete structures are arranged on an axis;
• in which the axis is parallel to the first planar surface of the substrate;
• in which the axis passes through the first window;
• in which each of the discrete structures has a thickness of less than 20 microns, and
• in which each of the plurality of discrete structures has a lateral dimension in the direction of the axis of less than 50 microns;
• and
• a means of directing electrons emitted by the at least one electron beam emitter onto the at least two arranged discrete structures such that x-rays are generated from each of the at least two arranged discrete structures;
• in which at least a portion of the generated x-rays propagating on the axis from each of the two arranged discrete structures is transmitted through the window;
• and
• said system further comprising:
• an optical train having an optical axis positioned to correspond to the axis on which the at least two discrete structures are arranged;
• in which the optical train is further positioned to collect x-rays generated by the anode target and produce an x-ray beam with predetermined beam properties;
• a monochromator to select x-rays of a predetermined energy and bandwidth from the x-ray beam,
• and additionally having the capability of scanning the selected x-rays over a predetermined energy range;
• a mount to hold an object to be investigated positioned such that the x-rays emerging from the monochromator will be incident on the object;
• and
• a detector to measure x-rays transmitted through the object.