Abstract: An X-ray beam position monitor has a first plate assembly (1, 3) for detecting the position of the X-ray beam in a horizontal plane and a second plate assembly (6, 8) for detecting the position of the X-ray beam in a vertical plane. The first plate assembly (1, 3) and the second plate assembly (6, 8) are located at the same position along the direction of propagation of the X-ray beam, to provide a compact arrangement suitable for use with X-ray diffractors and for laboratory use.

Abstract: An X-ray generator comprises an evacuated and sealed X-ray tube, an electron gun, an X-ray target, an internal electron mask, and an X-ray window consisting of a thin tube of material with low X-ray absorption and high mechanical strength, for example beryllium. The window connects the tube to the target assembly containing the X-ray target. The generator preferably also includes a system for focusing and steering the electron beam onto the target, a cooling system to cool the target material, kinematic mounts to allow precise and repeatable mounting of X-ray devices for focusing the X-ray beam, and X-ray focusing devices of varying configurations and methods. The X-ray generator of the invention produces an X-ray source having a focal spot or line of very small dimensions and is capable of producing a high intensity X-ray beam at a relatively small point of application using a low operating power.

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.