Synchrotron X-ray Optics
Sigray produces custom synchrotron optics for your beamline needs
- Ellipsoidal or single paraboloidal
- Achromatic and in-line focusing
Resolution to 250 nm
Sigray's synchrotron optics provide the highest resolution at the highest flux (>4-8X over KB mirrors) available. A recent demonstration at 110 eV validated a <400 nm FWHM spot. A link to the journal article in Synchrotron Radiation News is here.
*Note: Resolution target jitters due to stage
Beamline Applications
Sigray's optics are optimized for straightforward replacement of optics in existing synchrotron beamlines to upgrade their performance and for the development of new multi-functional and short beamlines.
Tiny but Powerful
Weighing in at <1 ounce, the precision optic provides tremendous flux advantages despite its size. Moreover, due to its small form factor and in-line focusing, multiple (e.g. 4) optics can be used interchangeably within the same beamline, with each optic designed for a different application.
Inherent Advantages
COMPARISON OF SIGRAY’S X-RAY MIRROR LENS WITH KB MIRRORS
KB mirrors are commonly employed in beamlines in part because, unlike CRLs and zoneplates, they are achromatic to enable use with a wide range of x-ray energies.
Compared to KB mirrors, Sigray’s axially symmetric (paraboloidal or ellipsoidal) x-ray mirror lens offers:
1. Higher Flux: >4X larger flux due to 2X larger numerical aperture (flux at the focus is proportional to the square of NA). The optic is not only a single-bounce x-ray capillary, but its axial symmetry captures a larger cross-section of the x-ray beam.
2. Stable and In-Line Focal Spot: The focal length of Sigray’s lens is substantially shorter (10-50 mm). This significantly reduces the problems of focal spot positional variation due to source or beamline vibration that limit KB mirror performance.
Turret design for multiple Sigray optics
3. Flexibility in Technique Development and Future Upgrades: Due to the small and lightweight form factor, multiple paraboloidal mirror lenses can be used on a single beamline, each optimized for specific parameters or for different techniques. Development of beamlines using the Sigray mirror lens also provides an easy path for future upgrades for additional optics and functionality.
4. Cost-Effective Beamline Development: For microfocus beamlines the source needs to be demagnified by a large factor. Since KB mirror pairs have large focal lengths (room must be provided for the downstream mirror), demagnification requires long, expensive beamlines. In comparison, the Sigray paraboloidal condensers enable the development of shorter, cost-effective, multi-functional microfocus beamlines.
5. Low Weight & Ease of Operation for Scanning: Straightforward alignment and low weight enable scanning of the optic, which is particularly important when the sample is difficult to move.
comparison chart between sigray x-ray optics vs. common synchrotron optics
Summary of Advantages in comparison with common synchrotron x-ray optics
Example Specifications
Sigray's synchrotron optics are available with a wide range of specifications for different beamline applications. An example set of specifications are as follows:
- Type: Achromatic paraboloidal (or ellipsoidal)
- Spot Size: <0.25 to <10 um (dependent on working distance and energy)
- Reflecting Surface: Coated with Pt
- Energy Range: 100 eV to 60 keV
- Angular Range: ~3X the critical angle of glass
- Working Distance: 2 mm to 10 cm depending on the desired resolution and application
- Price: $20k and up, depending on specifications
Additional optional configurations may include complete assemblies coupled to elements such as monochromators. If you have a beamline design already in mind and require a proposal for an optic, please fill out an optics proposal request form here.
More Information
Below, find a brochure on our optics below and a link to the 2018 journal publication in Synchrotron Radiation News, which announced the first capillary optic for focusing soft x-rays to 250 nm (note if you are unable to download, please fill out the general questions form below and we will email you the soft copy of the manuscript).
To request a custom optic, please fill out our optics proposal form:
For more general questions about our optics, please fill out the form below.
Interested in laboratory x-ray optics instead? Click here to visit our laboratory optics page.