Synchrotron-based X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) of dynamic events offers unique insights into materials’ micro- and mesoscale responses. However, the relatively small field of view provided by state-of-the-art platforms limits the time window available for capturing features such as crack propagation, failure fronts, and penetration. In this study, we present a novel beamline configuration at the Dynamic Compression Sector of the Advanced Photon Source that employs beryllium compound refractive lenses (CRLs) to intentionally defocus the beam, thereby expanding the illuminated area.
To design and validate this setup, we performed ray-tracing simulations of APS beamline 35-ID-E with and without the CRL. Experimental images obtained with the CRL configuration showed good agreement with the simulations and achieved a 50% increase in the vertical dimension compared to the nominal configuration. However, the quality of the CRL images declined, with reduced intensity and signal-to-noise ratios.
We demonstrated the efficacy of this CRL approach during hypervelocity impact experiments in which copper rod and aluminum sphere projectiles, traveling at 1.0 to 2.6 km/s, impacted boron carbide samples. By integrating Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) with XPCI, we obtained time-resolved penetration and rear-surface velocities, providing a more complete picture of the material’s dynamic behavior.
These results will inform refinements to constitutive models of ceramics under shock loading. As synchrotron facilities transition to fourth-generation sources with brighter, more coherent, and smaller beams, CRL-based optics will open new opportunities for improved characterization of materials subjected to extreme dynamic conditions.
