The MCX project: a powder diffraction beamline at ELETTRA

In order to meet the diffuse need of non-single crystal diffraction experiments using SR, a new bending magnet beamline for Material Characterization by X-rays – MCX – is going to be implemented at ELETTRA, the Italian national Synchrotron Radiation facility in Trieste. The beamline has been designed to work in the range 3-12 keV, exploiting the high brilliance of ELETTRA bending magnets in this spectral region. Photon flux values of interest for specific experiments will be also available in the ranges 2.3-3 keV and 12-23 keV. The main target of the new station is research and development in the area of physics, chemistry and engineering of materials surfaces, thin films and coating technology. The intrinsic flexibility of the proposed geometry makes MCX an ideal tool for diffraction measurements from polycrystalline materials in general (thin films, powder and bulk materials). In addition to the scientific heritage, a valuable activity will be the support to technology and industrial production, for specific tasks of non-destructive control as well as for the development of new products.