Lif imaging detectors read by confocal laser microscope for characterization of x-ray beam coupled with polycapillary optics

Abstract

We report the use of lithium fluoride fluorescent radiation imaging crystal detectors, read by an optical confocal laser microscope, to register the transmitted X-ray beams by polycapillary optics combined with a table-top Xray source. Polycapillary optics can control X-ray beams propagation and allows obtaining quasi-parallel beam (halflens) or focused beams (full-lens). Confocal laser fluorescence microscopy of X-ray irradiated LiF crystal detectors based on the photoluminescence of X-ray induced colour centres enables advanced characterization of these complex optics. Two-dimensional (2D) high spatial resolution images of X-rays transmitted through either a semi-lens or a full-lens were obtained. Moreover, the photoluminescent colour center volumes produced by X-rays in LiF crystals in a single exposure process have been used to provide threedimensional (3D) information about transmitted X-ray beams. The use of LiF crystal plates as X-ray imaging luminescent detectors represent a versatile and promising tool to characterize the operation of polycapillary optics.