ANL, Argonne, Illinois, USA
Hard x-ray polarisers are commonly applied in synchrotron radiation research to produce photons in a pure polarization state, and as polarization filters to analyse the photon’s polarization state after their interaction with a sample medium. We present the design of a mechanical assembly suitable for a hard X-ray polariser that requires multiple degrees of freedom with the base stage capable of handling at least 2-3 kg loads. The intermediary stages (roll, yaw, and translation directions) consist of commercially available tip/tilt and translational stages (Kohzu Precision Co., LTD). However, the requirements of the pitch stage are much more demanding and require a custom-designed flexure-based rotation stage. The design and analysis of this flexure-based rotation stage will be discussed in this study. This will include FEA analysis of the dynamic response and rotation range capabilities which will then be compared to mechanical performance test results using laser interferometers and accelerometer sensors.
