FusionX: A liquid-metal-jet x-ray source-powered multifunctional SAXS/WAXS/HR-XRD platform

A novel multi-functional SAXS/WAXS/HR-XRD laboratory instrument has been developed based on a high-brightness Ga-In alloy metal-jet x-ray source, capable of producing a high-quality x-ray beam with a maximum photon flux of 7 × 108 photons/s. The system features a motorized, flexible sample stage that enables seamless switching between characterization modes. Its optical performance, including the Mo/Si multilayer ellipsoidal mirror, was validated using SHADOW4 geometric ray-tracing simulations. These simulations confirmed an 80% reflectivity at a grazing incidence angle of 1.031°, with a focal point located 2200 mm from the mirror center and a focused beam spot size of ∼1 × 0.5 mm2. In addition, comparative studies demonstrate that the platform's modular architecture offers a practical and cost-effective alternative to synchrotron facilities for routine materials characterization. Its versatile x-ray analysis capabilities support the investigation of diverse materials across multiple scientific disciplines, including biomedical sciences, materials science, and environmental research.