Diffractive small angle X-ray scattering imaging for anisotropic structures

Insights into the micro- and nano-architecture of materials is crucial for understanding and predicting their macroscopic behaviour. In particular, for emerging applications such as meta-materials, the micrometer scale becomes highly relevant. The micro-architecture of such materials can be tailored to exhibit specific mechanical, optical or electromagnetic behaviours. Consequently, quality control at micrometer scale must be guaranteed over extended areas. Mesoscale investigations over millimetre sized areas can be performed by scanning small angle X-ray scattering methods (SAXS). However, due to their long measurement times, real time or operando investigations are hindered. Here we present a method based on X-ray diffractive optics that enables the acquisition of SAXS signals in a single shot (few milliseconds) over extended areas. This method is applicable to a wide range of X-ray sources with varying levels of spatial coherence and monochromaticity, as demonstrated from the experimental results. This enables a scalable solution of spatially resolved SAXS.