X-ray Bragg Diffraction in a Strong Acoustic Field

High-resolution X-ray diffraction spectra were recorded using LiNbO₃-based acousto-optical devices under surface acoustic wave excitation with a frequency of 290 MHz. Triplicate growth of the spectral angular width and a 2.5 increase in the integrated diffraction intensity were detected at a maximum acoustic amplitude of 0.17 nm. The experimental results are compared with theoretical simulations. Bearing in mind possible applications of these findings to synchrotron radiation monochromators, special attention is paid to an analysis of the maximum intensity gains which are achievable in this kind of experiment.