X-ray transfocators: focusing devices based on compound refractive lenses

Area of Science:

• Optics and X-ray instrumentation
• Materials science and engineering

Background:

• X-ray focusing and manipulation are critical for advanced scientific research.
• Existing methods often lack tunability and flexibility in focal length and energy.
• High flux and precise beam control are essential for experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe a novel tunable X-ray focusing apparatus called a transfocator.
• To demonstrate the transfocator's capability to continuously vary X-ray energy and focal length.
• To highlight the transfocator's applications in enhancing X-ray beam properties and experimental capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Development of a transfocator utilizing compound refractive lenses.
• Integration of the transfocator into X-ray beamlines for testing.
• Varying the number of lenses to achieve continuous tuning of X-ray energy and focal length.

Main Results:

• The transfocator allows continuous adjustment of X-ray energy and focal length over a wide range.
• The apparatus can focus, pre-focus, or collimate both white and monochromatic X-ray beams.
• Integration with other optical elements significantly increases X-ray flux.
• The transfocator acts as a high-flux broad-band-pass monochromator, suppressing harmonics.

Conclusions:

• The transfocator represents a significant advancement in tunable X-ray optics.
• Its versatility and performance enhance capabilities at synchrotron radiation facilities like the ESRF.
• The device offers improved flux and spectral control for various X-ray applications.