Title: Bridging Nanofabrication and Beamline Science: Collaborative Pathways for Advanced X-Ray Optics at ALS 2.0.
Speaker: Dr. Tim Allenet (XRnanotech)
Date: Monday, September 29th, 2025 – 1pm
Location: Building 15 Room 253 / zoom link
Host: Antoine Islegen-Wojdyla
Description: Advanced nano-manufacturing is a critical enabler of next-generation soft X-ray experiments. In this talk, we will present recent developments in high-resolution diffractive optics at XRnanotech, including high-resolution Fresnel Zone Plates, high-efficiency blazed gratings, and thermally stable diamond optics engineered for demanding beamline environments. Emphasis will be placed on how these technologies align with the ALS 2.0 upgrade strategy and the facility’s evolving needs in coherence, brightness, and spatial resolution. The goal is to highlight areas where collaborative development can accelerate experimental capabilities, from imaging and spectroscopy to beam diagnostics.
About XRnanotech: XRnanotech AG is a Swiss-based provider of precision-engineered X-ray optics, specializing in ultra-high-resolution Fresnel Zone Plates, diamond-based beam-shaping components, and custom diffractive elements for synchrotron, FEL, and laboratory-scale applications. Originating as a research initiative at the Paul Scherrer Institute, the company has evolved into a key industry partner, supporting cutting-edge experiments at leading accelerator-based light sources worldwide. XRnanotech combines advanced nanofabrication expertise with deep application insight to enable next-generation imaging, spectroscopy, and beam diagnostics. We look forward to exploring collaborative opportunities with the ALS community.
Speaker biography: Dr. Tim Allenet is Sales Manager at XRnanotech AG, where he bridges advanced nanofabrication technologies into X-ray optics innovation. He holds a PhD in Optical Engineering and Nanotechnologies from Université Grenoble-Alpes (France) and conducted postdoctoral research in EUV Lithography at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland), contributing to high-resolution patterning and metrology research. With a background spanning both precision manufacturing and applied optics, Tim now works closely with synchrotron and FEL facilities to deliver high-performance diffractive optics that push the boundaries of coherence, resolution, and flux control in X-ray science.