Abstract

In this paper, a new class of x-ray focusing devices based on reflections from the interior surfaces of an array of capillaries is presented. The capillaries may have a range of cross sections, although square capillaries are predicted to offer the best performance. We have developed a detailed theoretical model for these devices and, in the case of circular cross section capillaries (microchannel plate blanks), have compared the results with experiment. It is found that theory and experiment are in excellent agreement provided that a description of the surface roughness is incorporated into the theory. Such comparisons, over a range of x-ray wavelengths, provide a consistent estimate of the surface roughness inside the capillaries. It is anticipated that these focusing devices may find use in areas where radiation must be transferred efficiently from a small source onto a small sample.

© 1991 Optical Society of America