1D and 2D X-ray waveguides: Optics and applications

X-ray waveguides [1-4] offer a novel approach for nanobeam production, which may become useful in coherent beam imaging and phase contrast projection microscopy [5]. Internal field enhancement, coherency properties, and coupling efficiency of these devices have been measured and compared to theoretic predictions. The fundamentals of x-ray wave guide optics can be derived from a scalar wave equation. Up to now, x-ray waveguide optics have exclusively been one-dimensional (1D), while many applications demand two-dimensionally (2D) confined point beams. We have recently demonstrated the first proof of principle that x-ray waveguide effects can be generalized to 2D devices using e-bearn defined lithographic nanostructures [6], delivering of a coherent hard x-ray beam with nanometer sized cross-section (69 nm x 33 nm).