'Six-beam X-ray section topograph' images and computer-simulated images using the new n-beam dynamical theory based on the Takagi-Taupin equations.

A 'six-beam X-ray section topograph' experiment was performed whose images are in excellent agreement with the images computer-simulated using the theory derived by one of the authors [Okitsu (2003). Acta Cryst. A59, 235-244] based on the Takagi-Taupin dynamical theory. X-rays whose wavefront was limited to 0.1 x 0.1 mm were incident on a [1 1; 1]-oriented floating-zone silicon crystal with thickness of 9.911 mm so that a six-beam condition was satisfied. The six reflection indices were 000 (forward diffraction), 440, 484, 088, 4;48 and 4;04. The plane of incidence of the 088 reflection was adjusted so as to be perpendicular to the direction of the incident horizontal linear polarization of the synchrotron radiation, which was monochromated into 18.5 keV (0.670 A wavelength). While the simulations were performed under the assumptions that the incident X-rays were linearly polarized both horizontally and vertically, they were evidently different and only the simulated images under the assumption of horizontally polarized incident X-rays were in excellent agreement with the images obtained by the experiment.