Abstract: A laparoscopic tumor therapy method and an articulated electron beam transport system are provided for use with a high power, long focus electron source for tumor therapy. The high power, long focus electron source generates an e-beam. The e-beam is transported through a laparoscopic tube proximate a target tumor for electron irradiation therapy.

Abstract: An X-ray optical element for and influencing of X-ray beam characteristics in two dimensions includes two reflective, curved elements arranged side-by-side to receive X-ray radiation from an X-ray beam source so that the radiation is directed onto both reflective elements and then reflected from one element onto the other element, wherein the two reflective elements are curved at different angles and have different focal lengths.

Abstract: An x-ray beam conditioning system with a first diffractive element and a second diffractive element. The two diffractive elements are arranged in a sequential configuration, and one of the diffractive elements is a crystal. The other diffractive element may be a multilayer optic.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an x-ray system and method using dynamic automated spatial modulation of an x-ray beam. The system includes an x-ray source transmitting a spatially modulated beam towards an object to be imaged, an x-ray detector receiving the beam and measuring a plurality of intensities across the beam, a beam processor controlling the beam intensity profile, and an image processor producing an output image signal. The detector produces a residual image based on at least the intensities measured at the detector. The beam intensity profile may be based on at least some of the following: (a) the residual image from the x-ray detector, (b) current beam intensities, (c) regions on interest in the image, and (d) predicted or measured object motion in the image. The system's output image is based on one or more of said residual image and said beam intensity signal.

Abstract: In an x-ray lens for focusing x-rays over a large energy range wherein the lens comprises a large number of lens elements, the lens elements have a quasi-parabolic profile Y(x) according to the equation Y(x)=x2/2[(r+f(x))] Wherein x represents the parabola axis, l/2r represents the half parameter of the parabola and f(x) represents a function different from zero.

Abstract: An x-ray source assembly includes an anode having a spot upon which electrons impinge based on power level supplied to the assembly, and an optic coupled to receive divergent x-rays generated at the spot and transmit output x-rays from the assembly. A control system is provided for maintaining intensity of the output x-rays dynamically during operation of the x-ray source assembly, notwithstanding a change in at least one operating condition of the x-ray source assembly, by changing the power level supplied to the assembly. The control system may include at least one actuator for effecting the change in the power level supplied to the assembly, by, e.g., controlling a power supply associated with the assembly. The control system may also change the temperature and/or the position of the anode to maintain the output intensity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical assembly with a laterally graded reflective multilayer whose reflecting surface reflects incident X-rays under low incidence angles to produce a two-dimensional optical effect. The reflecting surface comprises a single surface conformed along two curvatures corresponding to two different directions. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such an optical assembly. The method includes coating a substrate already having a curvature. The invention also relates to a device for generating and conditioning X-rays for applications for angle-dispersive X-ray reflectometry. The device includes the optical assembly connected to an X-ray source so that X-rays emitted by the source are conditioned along two dimensions so as to adapt the beam emitted by the source to the sample, with the X-rays having different angles of incidence on the sample under consideration.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a particle source, an RF power source, an accelerator waveguide, and an imaging device. The particle source is to generate a first injector current and a second injector current, the first injector current being less than the second injector current. The RF power source is to generate first RF power at a first pulse rate and second RF power at a second pulse rate, the first pulse rate being greater than the second pulse rate. The accelerator waveguide is to accelerate a first electron beam based on the first injector current and the first RF power and to accelerate a second electron beam based on the second injector current and the second RF power, and the imaging device is to acquire an image based on the first electron beam. The second electron beam may be used to deliver treatment radiation to a patient.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reflector (5) for X-ray radiation (2, 3, 10, 11) which is curved in a non-circular arc shape, along a first cross-section (13) in a plane (XZ) which contains a x-direction, wherein the reflector (5) is also curved along a second cross-section (14) in a plane (YZ) which is perpendicular to the x-direction, is characterized in that the reflector (5) has a curvature along the second cross-section (14) which also differs from the shape of a circular arc. This makes the design of X-ray mirrors and the beam profile of reflected X-ray radiation more flexible, facilitates production of X-ray mirrors and at the same time provides high reflection capacity and good focusing properties for X-ray mirrors.

Abstract: To simplify the reconstruction of structural data of an object (7) examined using a tomography device (1), it is proposed to implement a radiation source (4) in such a way that radiation bundles (6) with parallel beam geometry are produced.

Abstract: A device for the adjustment of the anti-scattering grid (G) of a radiological equipment to the different focal lengths that said equipment can provide includes a pair of pressing members (P) mobile in the direction transverse with respect to the plane of the grid (G), which is arranged and restrained between said pressing members (P) and a pair of corresponding underlying contrast members (C), the convex/concave profile of each pair of members (P, C) being obtained as locus of the local deformations, calculated point by point with a suitable spatial resolution, necessary to adjust the orientation of the segments of the grid (G) when going from one reference focal length to a second focal length.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for designing a radiographic imaging system includes 1) receiving a number of design constraints for the system, and then 2) in response to the constraints, generating a plurality of radiographic imaging system designs, each having a different number of radiographic sources, and each requiring a different number of nominal scan passes to image a specimen region of interest. Designs having a greater number of radiographic sources have sets of translated radiographic detection areas sharing at least some coincident, nominal scan passes as compared to radiographic imaging system designs having fewer radiographic sources. Each set of translated radiographic detection areas is associated with a radiographic source that is replicated and translated with respect to a radiographic source that forms part of a radiographic imaging system design having fewer radiographic sources. Related systems and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lighting system, particularly for use in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, comprising a projection lens for producing semiconductor elements for wavelengths ?193 nm is provided with a light source, an object plane, an exit pupil, a first optical element having first screen elements for producing light channels, and with a second optical element having second screen elements. A screen element of the second optical element is assigned to each light channel that is formed by one of the first screen elements of the first optical element. The screen elements of the first optical element and of the second optical element can be configured or arranged so that they produce, for each light channel, a continuous beam course from the light source up to the object plane. The angles of the first screen elements of the first optical element can be adjusted in order to modify a tilt.

Abstract: A mixed irradiation evaluation support system for supporting judgment and determination of allocation of contribution in mixed irradiation using proton beams and X-rays. According to a composition ratio designated by a composition ratio scroll bar 107, a dose distribution by a proton beam and a dose distribution by an X-ray are composed, and the result of the composition is displayed three-dimensionally in a three-dimensional display part 104. Further, when a cross section is designated in the three-dimensional display part 104, an isodose map 115 in the designated cross section is displayed in a cross section window 114.

Abstract: Non-intrusive inspection systems, including apparatuses and methods, for non-intrusively inspecting cargo containers employed, generally, in the cargo transportation industry. The non intrusive inspection systems utilize one or more, single or multi-energy electron accelerators arranged in a plurality of different arrangements and orientations to provide two and, essentially, three dimensional views of the contents of (i.e., objects within) a cargo container and to enable discrimination and identification of materials present within the contents thereof.

Abstract: A filter plate having defects that may cause image artefacts is moved during an exposure. The movement distributes the defects of the plate in the image to a point where they can no longer be seen in the image. Preferably, the shifting of the plate is done in the plane of the plate, in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the rollers used for in the manufacture of the plate.

Abstract: A container inspection equipment with cobalt-60 ?-ray source and cesium iodide or cadmium tungstate detector includes a cobalt-60 ?-ray source, a cask, a front collimator, a rear collimator, a cesium iodide or cadmium tungstate detector, signal and image processing systems, container trailer system, and automatic control system. The cask of the cobalt-60 ?-ray source, the beam shutter, and the front collimator are fixed on the same chassis to form an integration and placed in the source room. The rear collimator, cesium iodide or cadmium tungstate array detector and the radiation catcher are fixed on the same chassis to form an integration and placed in the detector room. A container inspection tunnel is formed between the source room and the detector room. The equipment is mainly used for inspecting smuggling goods and contrabands etc., in large containers, container trucks, train carriage and air containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an x-ray beam conditioning system with a Kirkpatrick-Baez diffractive optic including two optical elements, of which one of the optical elements is a crystal. The elements are arranged in a side-by-side configuration. The crystal can be a perfect crystal. One or both diffractive elements can be mosaic crystals. One element can be a multilayer optic. For example, the multilayer optic can be an elliptical mirror or a parabolic mirror with graded d-spacing. The graded d-spacing can be either lateral grading or depth grading, or both.

Abstract: An x-ray metrology system includes one or more transmissive x-ray optical elements, such as zone plates or compound refractive x-ray lenses, to shape the x-ray beams used in the measurement operations. Each transmissive x-ray optical element can focus or collimate a source x-ray beam onto a test sample. Another transmissive x-ray optical element can be used to focus reflected or scattered x-rays onto a detector to enhance the resolving capabilities of the system. The compact geometry of transmissive x-ray optical element allows for more flexible placement and positioning than would be feasible with conventional curved crystal reflectors. For example, multiple x-ray beams can be focused onto a test sample using a transmissive x-ray optical element array. Robust zone plates can be efficiently produced using a damascene process.

Abstract: A micro-miniature x-ray apparatus comprises: a first chip subassembly including a source of x-rays including both Bremsstrahlung photons and characteristic x-rays; a second chip subassembly including a filter for transmitting the characteristic x-rays and blocking the Bremsstrahlung photons; a third chip subassembly including a movable element for focusing or collimating the transmitted characteristic x-rays into a beam and means for controlling the position of the focusing element. In one embodiment, the controlling means include a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). In another embodiment, the position of the movable element determines how the x-ray beam is steered to the focal area. In still another embodiment, the x-ray source includes a field emitter electron source and a target responsive to the electrons for generating x-rays. In this case, the x-ray beam is also steered by selectively energizing the anode segments.

Abstract: A technique for selectively processing data from a digital detector includes determining an image area produced by orientation of a radiation source assembly. The assembly may include a radiation source and a collimator, which may be separately orientable. The image area is computed based upon the orientation of the radiation source assembly that projects a radiation beam towards an imaging plane. Image data from a detector within the imaging plane is selectively processed to improve computational efficiency. The system may also determine whether the image area falls within the imaging surface of the detector and inform an operator or inhibit an exposure if such is not the case.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting an object, the system and method comprising a source for generating a penetrating radiation beam for irradiating the object, the beam having, for each instant of time, an instantaneous energy spectrum of intensity, a shaper for modulating the generated beam, thereby creating a shaped beam, the shaper comprising at least a first section and a second section, the first section attenuating the intensity of a portion of the generated beam by a first attenuation factor and the second section attenuating the intensity of another portion of the generated beam by a second attenuation factor, and at least one detector for detecting the shaped beam after the shaped beam interacts with the object. The source may scan a beam across an object while the source and at least one detector are moving on a platform capable of highway travel or on an inspection module movable with respect to the object.

Abstract: A spectrometer for detecting and quantifying elements in a sample. An exciter ionizes atoms in the sample, and the atoms thereby produce characteristic x-rays. A detector receives the x-rays and produces signals based on the x-rays. A filter system selectively blocks the x-rays from attaining the detector. The selective blocking of the x-rays is accomplished based on an energy of the x-rays. An analyzer receives the signals from the detector and detects and quantifies the elements in the sample based at least in part on the signals. In this manner, detector receives the light element x-rays, and the medium and heavy element x-rays are filtered out to avoid overwhelming the detector. This invention combines the large solid angle, high efficiency, and ability to measure the continuous background spectrum of the energy dispersive x-ray detector with the selectivity of the wavelength dispersive x-ray detector. It thus enables faster and more accurate measurement of light elements in thin films.

Abstract: A technique for selectively processing data from a digital detector includes determining an asymmetrical image area produced by orientation of a radiation source assembly. The assembly may include a radiation source and a collimator, which may be separately orientable. The image area is computed based upon the orientation of the radiation source assembly that projects a radiation beam towards an imaging plane. Image data from a detector within the imaging plane is selectively processed to improve computational efficiency. The system may also determine whether the image area falls within the imaging surface of the detector and inform an operator or inhibit an exposure if such is not the case.

Abstract: An x-ray or neutron apparatus for the transmission of x-ray or neutron images is described, which includes x-ray- or neutron-three-dimensional (3-D) arrays or mosaics, including a plurality of x-ray or neutron lenses positioned so that they form a two-dimensional (2-D) mosaic of compound refractive lenses to provide a plurality of separate x-ray or neutron paths between an object and an image at an x-ray- or neutron-detector. The apparatus is so constructed that it permits separate parts of an object to be imaged such that a total composite image is formed from these various parts. An imaging apparatus of the detection of carcinoma in breast tissue is formed using such an apparatus. Methods of microscopy and imaging are obtained using this apparatus.

Abstract: A method is for determining a position of an object causing interference in the beam path of a computed tomography unit. The method includes recording a first calibration table in a first moving focal point mode and recording a second calibration table in a second moving focal point mode. The method further includes creating two differential tables based on the first and second calibration tables, each with a corresponding already available calibration table recorded in the same moving focal point mode and in interference-free operation. Finally, the position of the object causing the interference in the beam path is determined, based on the differential tables.

Abstract: This invention provides an X-ray analysis apparatus and method capable of simply and accurately determining the position of analysis in a sample from an optical image of it without lowering the sensitivity and/or the spatial resolution in light element analysis. The X-ray analysis apparatus of the present invention irradiates a sample with X-rays narrowed down by means of an X-ray guide member from above the sample in which said sample is directly irradiated with X-rays from said X-ray guide member and an optical image of said sample is obtained in the direction coaxial with said X-ray guide member.

Abstract: A method for producing a scattered radiation grid or collimator which, for an incident radiation type, has transmissive regions and nontransmissive regions of predeterminable geometry. First the geometry of the transmissive and the nontransmissive regions of the scattered radiation grid or collimator is set. On the basis of this geometry, a base body is constructed according to the geometry, optionally differing by a particular layer thickness, of the transmissive regions or the nontransmissive regions by a rapid prototyping technique through layer-wise solidification of a structural material under the action of radiation. On the basis of this base body, the scattered radiation grid or collimator is finally completed.

Abstract: A method for producing an image in a x-ray imaging system is provided. The x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source which projects an x-ray beam collimated by a collimation assembly to pass through an object and impinge on an x-ray receptor to produce the image. The method includes rotating the collimation assembly about a focal point while the x-ray source is substantially fixed and producing x-rays. The method further includes adjusting the position of the x-ray receptor during rotation of the collimation assembly to receive the x-ray beam.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, i.e., radiation of high-energy photons in the wavelength range from 11 to 14 nm, based on a gas discharge. The object of the invention, to find a novel possibility for generating EUV radiation in which an extended life of the system is achieved with stable generation of a dense, hot plasma column, is met according to the invention in that a preionization discharge is ignited between two parallel disk-shaped flat electrodes prior to the main discharge by a surface discharge along the superficies surface of a cylindrical insulator with a plasma column generated through the gas discharge with pulsed direct voltage, which preionization discharge carries out an ionization of the working gas in the discharge chamber by means of fast charged particles.

Abstract: A fluorescent X-ray analysis apparatus includes: an X-ray generation source for radiating a beam of primary X-rays; spectroscopic elements circularly arranged so that their inner surfaces describe a circle centered on an optical axis of the beam of primary X-rays for monochromatizing the beam of primary X-rays and condensing the beam on a surface of an irradiation object; a spectroscopic element position adjuster for adjusting the positions of the spectroscopic elements; secondary X-rays detector for detecting secondary X-rays radiated from the surface of the irradiation object irradiated with the monochromatized beam of primary X-rays; a secondary X-ray detector position adjuster adjusting the position of the secondary X-ray detector; an irradiation object surface position detector detecting the position of the surface of the irradiation object; and a controller adjusting the positions of the spectroscopic elements through the spectroscopic element position adjuster to condense the monochromatized beam of pr

Abstract: There is provided an illumination system for light having wavelengths ?193 nm. The system includes (a) a first raster element for receiving a first diverging portion of the light and directing a first beam of the light, (b) a second raster element for receiving a second diverging portion of the light and directing a second beam of the light, where the first raster element is oriented at an angle with respect to the second raster element to cause a center ray of the first beam to intersect with a center ray of the second beam at an image plane, and (c) an optical element for imaging secondary sources of the light in an exit pupil, where the optical element is situated in a path of the light after the first and second raster elements and before the image plane.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus has a first detector for measuring an intensity such that a sheet-shaped beam of synchrotron radiation is integrated over the entire range of the beam in the thickness direction thereof; a second detector for measuring the intensity of the beam at two points where positions along the direction are different; and a calculating device for calculating the magnitude of the beam in the direction on the basis of the detections by the first and second detectors.

Abstract: In an X-ray detector and method for applying a stray radiation grid onto an X-ray detector having detector elements arranged in a matrix that form a detector surface having detection regions sensitive to X-rays and less sensitive intermediate regions, a basic structure for the stray radiation grid is built up over the detector surface directly on the X-ray detector with a rapid prototyping technique and is subsequently coated or filled with a material that is highly absorbent for X-radiation. An absorbent structure thus arises that lies over the less sensitive intermediate regions of the detector surface. Moiré disturbances are avoided in the X-ray image exposure and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is increased.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for generation and/or delivery of x-ray irradiation. The subject invention can be used to deliver x-ray irradiation to an artery in order to prevent restenosis in the artery. For example, a short pulse laser generated ionizing dose of x-ray irradiation can be effectively delivered to the arterial wall using hollow waveguides. The delivery of such a dose can help to prevent restenosis. The use of short pulse x-rays can allow energy to be precisely delivered, and can reduce diffusion of the energy to nearby normal tissue during the exposure. The arterial walls can be irradiated from a cylindrical or conical symmetric mirrored reflective end tip mounted on the end of a hollow waveguide. The subject invention also pertains to a method and apparatus for delivery of x-ray radiation with respect to medical therapies such as tumor necrosis.

Abstract: A limiting device (9) for electromagnetic radiation (3; 5; 7) includes an essentially flat beam cross-section limiter (10) which partly or completely encloses at least one passage aperture (12; 13) for beams (5; 7) and is constructed so that it also includes at least one second beam cross-section limiter (14) which, in the active position, constitutes at least one longitudinal component extending at an angle to the first beam cross-section limiter (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for limiting a ray beam, especially in connection with an x-ray imaging equipment. The invention comprises a collimator construction in which a primary blade element (4) is moved directly by means of an actuator (3) and where at least one secondary element (5, 20) is movable in connection with the primary element (4), but does not move dependent on the movements of it when the distance between the said elements (4, 5, 20) is within at least one certain operating range concerning them.

Abstract: A method includes directing an x-ray beam to a first set of image lines of an x-ray detector, resetting a first image line corresponding to the leading edge, reading a second image line corresponding to the trailing edge, moving the x-ray beam to a second set of image lines of the x-ray detector, and repeating the resetting, reading, and moving steps. An apparatus includes an x-ray generator, an x-ray detector, a readout circuit coupled to the x-ray detector, and a computing and controlling device coupled to the readout circuit, the computing and controlling device directing an x-ray fan beam to a first set of image lines of the detector, resetting a first image line, reading a second image line, moving the x-ray beam to a second set of image lines of the detector, and repeating the resetting and reading steps.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus, as one example, includes at least one X-ray irradiation source configured to irradiate an X-ray to a volume of interest, at least one X-ray detector including a plurality of detection element segments configured to detect the X-ray penetrated through the volume of interest, at least one collimator configured to create an opening that is movable in at least one of a slice direction and a channel direction, at least one image processing part configured to extract a portion of the volume data, a controller configured to set the opening of the at least one collimator to a second opening size according to a cylinder-like second scanning range that is set to limit the volume of interest and configured to perform a second scan, and at least one reconstruction part configured to reconstruct image data based on data collected by the second scan.

Abstract: The method and system herein pertain to an EUV photon source which includes a plasma chamber filled with a gas mixture, multiple electrodes within the plasma chamber defining a plasma region and a central axis, a power supply circuit connected to the electrodes for delivering a main pulse to the electrodes for energizing the plasma around the central axis to produce an EUV beam. The system can also include a preionizer for ionizing the gas mixture in preparing to form a dense plasma around the central axis upon application of the main pulse from the power supply circuit to the electrodes. A set of baffles may be disposed along the beam path outside of the pinch region to diffuse gaseous and contaminant particulate flow emanating from the pinch region and to absorb or reflect acoustic waves emanating from the pinch region away from the pinch region.

Abstract: A particle beam therapy system which can surely prevent a beam from being erroneously transported to a treatment room that is not an irradiation target, and can improve safety. The particle beam therapy system comprises a charged particle beam generator for emitting a charged particle beam, a plurality of treatment rooms provided with respective irradiation units, one first beam transport system for transporting the emitted beam toward the downstream side in the direction of beam advance, a plurality of second beam transport systems branched from the first beam transport system and transporting the beam to the corresponding irradiation units in the treatment rooms, a plurality of switching electromagnets for bending the beam transported through the first beam transport system to be introduced to the corresponding second beam transport systems, and a first group of shutters provided downstream of the switching electromagnets and shutting off respective beam paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a 2D image of an object comprises a plurality of 1D detector units, each exposed to ionizing radiation, as transmitted through or scattered off the object, and being arranged for 1D imaging of the radiation, to which it is exposed. The detector units are distributed in an array such that the 1D images of the radiation from the detector units are distributed over a substantial portion of the 2D image. The apparatus includes a device for moving the detector units relative the object while the detector units repeatedly detect to create the 2D image of the object; and a control device for controlling the detector units to detect ionizing radiation during a short period of time before or during an initial part of the movement; calculating an optimum exposure time for the repeated detection based on the short period of time detection; and controlling the repeated detection to automatically obtain the optimum exposure time.

Abstract: An LED light device comprising an LED for generating a light beam, and a reflector that concentrates the light beam to have bright illumination, uniform light field, and sharp edge contrast. The LED light device may be used in an x-ray collimator to facilitate positioning a patient and an x-ray machine relative to each other so that an x-ray beam is directed along a defined axis and onto a specified target zone on the patient. The collimator comprises at least one high energy LED array for generating a light beam and directing the light beam along the defined axis, wherein the light beam expands outward from the LED array at a beam cone angle, and an optical concentrator having a reflective surface, wherein the light beam is emitted from the LED array at a beam cone angle defined by the reflective surface of the optical concentrator.

Abstract: A beamblock tray for use with multiple defining heads within a medical linear accelerator is disclosed. The beamblock tray comprises a tray portion, and a plurality of coded connectors coupled to the tray portion that make the tray “intelligent” enough to identify its orientation to a user. The tray portion can be inserted into the defining head in a plurality of directions based upon the plurality of coded connectors. A system and method in accordance with the present invention utilizes a plurality of coded connectors that can be used to identify a patient. In addition, the connectors and a mounting flange are such that they permit the tray to be inserted in a plurality of directions. Finally, a coding system is provided that prevents radiation from being delivered if the tray is oriented incorrectly.

Abstract: A capillary optic produced by impression has a mold with an external profile figured for radiation transmission along an axis used as a mandrel for impression. The mold often takes the form of a precisely etched wire. At least one soft plate is used for impressing the mold into the soft plate. The mold is removed from the soft plate to leave a vacant impression figured for radiation transmission in the soft plate along an axis. The impression is then closed to provide for radiation transmission along the axis of the impression. In the most common embodiment, two relatively soft plates having identical compositions with flat and highly polished initial surfaces are used. The impression(s) can be coated with reflective materials. Disclosure of an optical connector and emitter is included.

Abstract: An X-ray optical system for small angle scattering has a parabolic multilayer mirror and, so that switching to other X-ray incident optical systems for X-ray analysis can be easily performed. A parabolic multilayer mirror, an optical-path selecting slit device, a small-angle selecting slit device and a Soller slit are arranged between an X-ray source and a specimen-side slit. An X-ray beam having passed through the first aperture of an aperture slit plate is interrupted by the optical-path selecting slit. An X-ray beam having passed through the second aperture of the aperture slit plate is reflected at the reflecting surface of the multilayer mirror to become a parallel beam. This parallel beam passes through an aperture of the optical-path selecting slit device. The beam width is restricted by a narrow slit of the small-angle selecting slit device.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optic coupled X-ray generator comprising:a point or near point source of X-rays; and a microchannel plate optic comprising a plurality of channels positioned with respect to the source of X-rays so as to intercept a portion of the X-rays emitted by the source, and to focus the intercepted X-rays to a spot with a gain of greater than one.

Abstract: A method for producing microstructures for use for x-ray lenses using extrusion techniques and a variable focus x-ray lens assembly are provided. An elongated strip of multiple x-ray lenses and cavities of arbitrary cross-section are produced by an extrusion step. A predefined lens profile of the multiple x-ray lenses has, for example, a parabolic profile for x-ray focusing. The elongated strip of multiple cylindrical compound x-ray lenses can be cut into multiple uniform small lengths, for example, 50 mm lengths, and positioned within a support member. Cutting the assembled support member and x-ray lenses at a selected angle provides a variable focus x-ray lens assembly.

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: There is provided an optical apparatus for radiation with a wavelength ≦160 nm. The apparatus comprises a mirror with a mirror surface, and a first device for generating elastic oscillations with different acoustic wavelengths on the mirror surface due to surface deformations. Radiation impinging on the mirror surface is diffracted in a predetermined range of angles (&agr;).