Method for the production of a periodically bent crystal and its application in a device for the production of electromagnetic radiation

The invention refers to a method for obtaining a periodically bent crystal, i.e. a crystal in which the crystalline planes present deformations that are repeated periodically along a certain direction, and to its application in a device for the production of electromagnetic radiation.

How does it work?

The present invention makes it possible to realise a periodically bent crystal in which the deformation of the crystalline planes is uniform along a direction perpendicular to them, and follows a sinusoidal course along a direction parallel to them. In addition, a device capable of producing high-intensity electromagnetic radiation with high spectral purity (monochromaticity) has also been developed.

By striking a periodically bent crystal with a beam of charged particles, directed along its main direction, each particle undergoes a series of successive and identical deflections. This process induces the emission of a sequence of photons having the same frequency, thus enabling the generation of monochromatic, high-intensity, high-frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Such radiation can be used in a variety of application areas, including nuclear medicine, non-destructive imaging, radioactive waste disposal and the production of rare isotopes.

Applications

• disposal of nuclear waste;
• instrument for nuclear medicine;
• production of rare isotopes;
• photo-induced nuclear reactions;
• non-destructive imaging of molecular systems (proteins, viruses, nanodevices).

Advantages

• pattern with periodicity even in the direction orthogonal to the beam propagation;
• periodic modulation of the two-dimensional pattern due to strain induction;
• use of sinusoidal modulation of the homogeneous curvatures of the atomic planes within the crystal;
• reduction of unwanted oscillation harmonics and minimisation of the possibility of their creation