MICROBEAM GENERATION WITH CAPILLARY OPTICS (INVITED)

Grazing incidence x-ray optics for microbeam generation can be classified into five types: ellipsoidal mirror, Wolter mirror, monocapillary concentrator, microchannel array, and polycapillary concentrator. These components each have their own properties, yet they are closely related. Each optical component is at a different stage of development. Ellipsoidal mirrors are based on a mature technology and at 1/10 magnification should yield 10-μm-diam beams. Optics based on replicate Wolter mirrors are capable of producing beams on a 1-10 μm scale with high gain. Monocapillary concentrators are producing beam sizes of less than 0.1 μm. On a larger scale, polycapillary concentrators, and microchannel arrays are promising microbeam components. Ray tracing programs exist in different forms for some of these components. Prototype capillary optics have been tested, but as a whole, the manufacturing methods could be significantly improved with further investments in time and effort. All of these optical designs show great promise for intensifying a beam in a small area if they can be adequately perfected. This is the great challenge before us. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.