Interpretation of bent-crystal rocking curves using phase-space diagrams

Abstract In developing a double bent-Laue crystal monochromator for synchrotron-based monochromatic computed tomography system, we applied a special projection of the phase-space diagram to interpret the shape of bent crystal rocking curves. Unlike the rigorous approach of the ray-tracing method, this graphical method provides direct pictures that allow checks of the physical significance of the shapes of the rocking curves, thereby providing quick guidelines for matching two bent crystals. The method's usefulness is demonstrated with our experimental results, and its limitations are discussed.