Several different types of X-ray mirrors suitable for use with a micro
focus X-ray tube and intended principally for single-crystal diffracto
metry are discussed and compared. The construction and performance of
ellipsoidal mirrors made by an electroforming method are described in
detail. The intensity at the mirror focus is comparable with the flux
obtained with conventional arrangements with X-ray tubes dissipating m
ore than 100 times the power of the microfocus tube.