Dark field X-ray microscopy for studies of recrystallization

We present the recently developed technique of Dark Field X-Ray Microscopy that utilizes the diffraction of hard X-rays from individual grains or subgrains at the (sub)micrometre- scale embedded within mm-sized samples. By magnifying the diffracted signal, 3D mapping of orientations and strains inside the selected grain is performed with an angular resolution of 0.005^o and a spatial resolution of 200 nm. Furthermore, the speed of the measurements at high- intensity synchrotron facilities allows for fast non-destructive in situ determination of structural changes induced by annealing or other external influences. The capabilities of Dark Field X- Ray Microscopy are illustrated by examples from an ongoing study of recrystallization of 50% cold-rolled Al1050 specimens. (paper)