Photostimulated phosphor based image plate detection system for HRVUV beamline at Indus-1 synchrotron radiation source

A high resolution vacuum ultraviolet (HRVUV) beamline based on a 6.65m off-plane Eagle spectrometer is in operation at the Indus-1 synchrotron radiation source, RRCAT, Indore, India. To facilitate position sensitive detection and fast spectral recording, a new BaFBr:Eu2+ phosphor based image plate (IP) detection system interchangeable with the existing photomultiplier (PMT) scanning system has been installed on this beamline. VUV photoabsorption studies on Xe, O2, N2O and SO2 are carried out to evaluate the performance of the IP detection system. An FWHM of ~0.5Å is achieved for the Xe atomic line at 1469.6Å. Reproducibility of spectra is found to be within the experimental resolution. Compared to the PMT scanning system, the IP shows several advantages in terms of sensitivity, recording time and S/N ratio, which are highlighted in the paper. This is the first report of incorporation of an IP detection system in a VUV beamline using synchrotron radiation. Commissioning of the new detection system is expected to greatly enhance the utilization of the HRVUV beamline as a number of spectroscopic experiments which require fast recording times combined with a good signal to noise ratio are now feasible. •Incorporation of an image plate detection system on HRVUV beamline at Indus-1.•Design and fabrication of mounting mechanisms, performance evaluation of new system.•Photoabsorption spectra of Xe, O2, SO2 and N2O recorded in the region 1150–2300Å.•Sensitivity, wavelength coverage, reproducibility and resolution of IP demonstrated.•First report of IP detector for VUV photoabsorption using synchrotron radiation.