Capillary optics and their use in x-ray analysis

Abstract

The use of polycapillary lenses in x-ray microanalysis and x-ray diffractometry is considered. Lenses with focal spot diameters from 0.5–1 mm down to 5–10 µm ensure an increased flux on the sample under investigation by 2–3 orders of magnitude. The combination of a standard microfocus x-ray tube of 50–100 W power with such a lens permits fluxes to be obtained comparable to those at workstations for microanalysis attached to a synchrotron. The use of polycapillary lenses requires specialized x-ray tubes. A new type of tube for obtaining a high photon flux with low divergence has been developed. The possibility of realizing new high-efficiency portable x-ray spectrometers and diffractometers based on polycapillary optics is considered. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.