X-ray optics
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'''X-ray optics''' is the branch of [[optics]] which manipulates [[x-ray]]s instead of [[visible light]]. While lenses for visible light are made of a [[Transparency (optics)|transparent]] material with an index of [[refraction]] substantially different from 1, there is no equivalent material for x-rays. Therefore, the only methods of x-ray manipulation are through reflection, [[diffraction]] and [[interference]] effects. Examples of technologies in use include [[Wolter telescope|grazing incidence mirrors]]<ref>{{cite journal |title=Glancing Incidence Mirror Systems as Imaging Optics for X-rays |author=Wolter, H. |journal=Ann. Physik |volume=10 |pages=94 |year=1952}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=A Generalized Schwarschild Mirror Systems For Use at Glancing Incidence for X-ray Imaging |author=Wolter, H. |journal=Ann. Physik |volume=10 |pages=286 |year=1952}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Rob Petre |url=http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/how_l2/xtelescopes_systems.html |title=X-ray Imaging Systems |publisher=NASA}}</ref>, [[zone plate]]s, bent crystals<ref>{{cite conference |title={{doi-inline|10.1109/PLASMA.2000.854969|Using spherically bent crystals for obtaining high-resolution, large-field, monochromatic X-ray backlighting imaging for wide range of Bragg angles}} |author=Pikuz, T.A.; Faenov, A.Ya.; Fraenkel, M.; Zigler, A.; Flora, F.; Bollanti, S.; Di Lazzaro, P.; Letardi, T.; Grilli, A.; Palladino, L.; Tomassetti, G.; Reale, A.; Reale, L.; Scafati, A.; Limongi, T.; Bonfigli, F.; Alainelli, L.; Sanchez del Rio, M. |conference=Plasma Science |year=2000 |booktitle=Proceedings of the 27th IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science |pages=183}}</ref>, [[multilayer optics]] based systems, and [[microstructured optical arrays]]<ref>{{cite journal |title={{doi-inline|10.1016/0168-583X(90)90123-C|Channeling of photons and new X-ray optics}} |author={Kumakhov, MA |journal=Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B |volume=48, |number=1-4 |pages=283--286 |year=1990}}</ref>.
Most x-ray optical elements (with the exception of grazing incidence mirrors) are very small in size, and must be designed for a particular [[Angle of incidence|incident angle]] and energy, thus limiting their applications in divergent [[radiation]]. Although the technology has advanced rapidly, its practical uses are still limited.
One of the applications showing greater promise is in enhancing both the [[contrast (vision)|contrast]] and [[Image resolution|resolution]] of [[mammogram|mammographic]] images, compared to conventional [[anti-scatter grid]]s.
== References ==
<references/>
== See also ==
*[[Wolter telescope]] A type of X-ray telescope built with glancing incidence mirrors
*[[Chandra X-ray Observatory]] Orbiting observatory, uses X-ray optics
*[[XMM-Newton]] Orbiting X-ray observatory, again using X-ray optics
== External links ==
*[http://www.albany.edu/x-ray-optics/polycapillary_optics.htm An introduction to X-Ray Optics]
{{optics-stub}}
[[Category:X-rays|Optics]]
[[Category:X-ray instrumentation|Optics]]
[[Category:Optics]]
[[Category:Radiography]]
[[de:Röntgenoptik]]
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