Abstract: A Soller slit device is provided for collimation of high energy radiation, such as X-ray or EUV radiation, and has a low angle of divergence (less than 0.1°) and a high transmission efficiency (60 to 80% or greater). The Soller slit is made up of multiple, parallel blades of low-density material, such as glass, mica, or the like, which can be treated to reduce reflectivity. The Soller slit device of the invention advantageously provides an increased peak intensity and decreased peak width in diffraction patterns produced in high energy diffractometry applications, such as X-ray diffractometry.

Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized multi-foil object for use in a laboratory environment and other practical applications that require small or portable and/or disposable high energy radiation optics. Specifically, the invention finds utility in high energy lithographic systems, such as X-ray or EUV lithography, as a condenser optic or in topographic systems. In lithographic systems, the present invention exhibits square symmetry, a relatively large aperture size, and disposability. Additionally, the multi-foil optic of the invention provides a high throughput efficiency.

Abstract: An X-ray topographic system comprises an X-ray generator producing a beam of X-rays impinging on a limited area of a sample such as a silicon wafer. A solid state detector is positioned to intercept the beam after transmission through or reflection from the sample. The detector has an array of pixels matching the beam area to produce a digital image of said limited area. Relative stepping motion between the X-ray generator and the sample produces a series of digital images which are combined together. In optional embodiments, an X-ray optic is interposed to produce a parallel beam to avoid image doubling, or the effect of image doubling is removed by software.

Abstract: A Soller slit device is provided for collimation of high energy radiation, such as X-ray or EUV radiation, and has a low angle of divergence (less than 0.1°) and a high transmission efficiency (60 to 80% or greater). The Soller slit is made up of multiple, parallel blades of low-density material, such as glass, mica, or the like, which can be treated to reduce reflectivity. The Soller slit device of the invention advantageously provides an increased peak intensity and decreased peak width in diffraction patterns produced in high energy diffractometry applications, such as X-ray diffractometry.

Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized multi-foil object for use in a laboratory environment and other practical applications that require small or portable and/or disposable high energy radiation optics. Specifically, the invention finds utility in high energy lithographic systems, such as X-ray or EUV lithography, as a condenser optic or in topographic systems. In lithographic systems, the present invention exhibits square symmetry, a relatively large aperture size, and disposability. Additionally, the multi-foil optic of the invention provides a high throughput efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable apparatus for carrying out X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on specimen materials at a distance from the apparatus. The apparatus comprises an X-ray generating tube, such as a microfocus tube, and two paraboloidal X-ray reflecting mirrors. The first collecting mirror is positioned in close coupled arrangement adjacent to the exit window of the tube, such that it emits parallel X-ray radiation to the second focusing mirror, which is aligned on the axis of and spaced apart from the first mirror (11). The second mirror (12) collects the parallel X-ray radiation at its end closest to the first mirror and emits X-ray radiation in a focused beam onto the specimen. The distance between the first and second mirrors is adjusted to suit the distance from the X-ray tube to the specimen. Focal spots on the specimen of diameter less than 15 microns (590.55 microinches) are possible, enabling precise analysis of small areas of the specimen.

Abstract: An X-ray topographic system comprises an X-ray generator producing a beam of X-rays impinging on a limited area of a sample such as a silicon wafer. A solid state detector is positioned to intercept the beam after transmission through or reflection from the sample. The detector has an array of pixels matching the beam area to produce a digital image of said limited area. Relative stepping motion between the X-ray generator and the sample produces a series of digital images which are combined together. In optional embodiments, an X-ray optic is interposed to produce a parallel beam to avoid image doubling, or the effect of image doubling is removed by software.

Abstract: Evolutionary algorithms are used to find a global solution to the fitting of experimental X-ray scattering data to simulated models. A recombination operator combines two or more parameter vectors from one iteration of simulated scattering data to form a new parameter vector for the next iteration, in a manner such that there is a high probability that the new parameter will better fit the experimental data than any of the parent parameters. A mutation operator perturbs the value of a parent vector, to permit new regions of the error function to be examined, and thereby avoid settling on local minima. The natural selection guarantees that the parameter vectors with the best fitness will be propagated into future iterations.

Abstract: Mirror support means having a metal block machined with a first pair of slots shaped to receive a first pair of curved mirrors and a second pair of slots shaped to receive a second pair of curved mirrors. The block is sufficiently resiliently deformable to enable the slots to be widened to receive the mirrors and then for the mirrors to be clamped in position, the slots being accurately machined so that the mirrors are bent into their required forms of curvature. The use of a unitary block simplifies the construction and setting up of the support means for the mirrors.