Abstract: An apparatus and method for vibrationally isolating two or more interconnected or mechanically cooperating imaging subsystems. A first of the subsystems can be an optics subsystem that includes optical components and other structural or mounting hardware for the optical components. A second of the subsystems can include, for example, an x-ray source, the object to be studied, and/or a detector. The apparatus includes at least two interconnected or mechanically coupled vibration isolation platforms. A component of the first of the subsystems is placed or mounted on one of the vibration isolation platforms and a component of the second of the subsystems is placed or mounted on the other of the vibration isolation platforms.

Abstract: An x-ray source for producing a uniformly intense area x-ray beam. The x-ray source includes a vacuum chamber. An area electron emitter is disposed at a first end of the vacuum chamber. A target material is disposed at a second end of the vacuum chamber and spaced apart from the area electron emitter. The area electron emitter and the target material are correspondingly shaped and/or correspondingly curved. The x-ray source also includes at least one high voltage power source. The area electron emitter is electrically connected to a negative pole of one of the at least one high voltage power source and the target electrically connected to a positive pole of one of the at least one high voltage power source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precise angular positioning of an object. A first pivot arm and a second pivot arm each is pivotally mounted with respect to a base. A pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the first pivot arm and allows the first pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, within a particular plane. A second pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the second pivot arm and allows the second pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, and also within either the same plane or a different plane as the plane within which the first pivot arm pivots. Support structures maintain each of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm within the particular plane or planes. An interconnect flex member connects the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. With a relatively small base and thus overall apparatus, an input movement, such as a linear input of about 10 mm can be translated into an output movement of about 7200 radians.

Abstract: An x-ray source for producing a uniformly intense area x-ray beam. The x-ray source includes a vacuum chamber. An area electron emitter is disposed at a first end of the vacuum chamber. A target material is disposed at a second end of the vacuum chamber and spaced apart from the area electron emitter. The area electron emitter and the target material are correspondingly shaped and/or correspondingly curved. The x-ray source also includes at least one high voltage power source. The area electron emitter is electrically connected to a negative pole of one of the at least one high voltage power source and the target electrically connected to a positive pole of one of the at least one high voltage power source.