X-ray microball refractive optics

A new concept for hard-X-ray refractive optics is presented. It is founded on the association of microballs (MB) in one-, two- and three-dimensions of space, 1-D and 2-D systems being intended to the transport and the focusin g of narrow X-ray beams, while 3-D systems are intended to extended beams. Here, we report on the main characteristics of X-ray refractive 1-D optical systems composed of N MB, such as chromatic and achromatic lenses, band-pa ss frequency filters and waveguides. These achievements prefigure a new gen eration of hard-X-ray optical kits. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.