Ellipsoid-hyperboloid x-ray imaging instrument for laser-pellet diagnostics

Analysis of an x-ray imaging system employing ellipsoid and hyperboloid mirrors that are confocal and coaxial indicates that spatial resolution of 1-3 microm can be obtained. The useful field of view is hundreds of microns, and the collecting solid angle is at least 10(3) times that of a pinhole camera. The instrument has application to the diagnostics of laser-pellet interactions.