X-ray microfocusing by polycapillary optics

Abstract

In this work the results on X-ray micro-imaging by means of novel polycapillary optical elements will be presented. To simulate various radiation propagation processes in both single capillary and polycapillary systems, a PolyCAD code was developed. Many experiments have recently revealed the advantage of confocal optical configuration for the fluorescence studies. Moreover, our experimental prototype layout (developped in the INFN - LNF laboratories, Frascati) enables the possibility to obtain μXRF mapping in simultaneous with X-Imaging. The recorded image of an extended sample is limited to 6 μm by the CCD pixel dimensions; the use of a second polycapillary optics in the confocal scheme followed by a SDD detector provides an additional option for elemental studies. A prototype of compact XRF spectrometer with a spatial resolution less than 100 μm has been designed.