Coherent trapping of x-ray photons in crystal cavities in the picosecond regime

We report on the trapping of 14keV photons in periods of 1.11–1.67ps by the 12 4 0 backdiffraction in two- and multiplate silicon single-crystal cavities of a few hundred micrometer size. The formation of standing waves inside the cavities ensures better coherence for the x rays. We anticipate that the transmitted x rays through this type of cavities can be used as a quasicoherent x-ray source for probing the dynamic structures of solids, liquids, and biological substances.