Realize a Gabor zone plate with zigzag zones

Zone plates have gained significant popularity in the field of X-ray applications. In order to overcome the inherent problem of multiple focal points in traditional Fresnel zone plates (FZPs), researchers have turned to designing Gabor zone plates (GZPs) with binary and sinusoidal transmission characteristics. The processing of sharp corners in various binary GZPs has posed considerable challenges. To address this, our research presents a novel binary GZP with zigzag structured zones, offering a single-focus characteristic. Due to the continuous annular zones with constant width along the circumference, this zone plate is closer to an ideal GZP, offering potential for self-supporting fabrication. Through simulation and experimentation, we investigate the diffraction properties of this zone plate and find that it achieves effective suppression of higher-order diffraction.The discoveries present fresh perspectives on GZPs, highlighting zigzag GZPs as a potential substitute for focusing and imaging in the soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet domains.