Nested mirrors for X-rays and Neutrons

Abstract

Montel (nested) Kirkpatrick-Baez mirrors can focus X-ray and neutron beams with larger divergences into small beams than is possible with standard (sequential) Kirkpatrick-Baez optics. They also provide for a more compact focusing system and higher fluxes into small beams than with current alternatives. These attributes make Montel optics critically important for both achromatic neutron and X-ray focusing. Here we describe design rules that optimize mirror performance under various constraints, including diffraction-limited, and flux-limited focusing. We also describe first tests of optical designs that employ nesting as a way to improve neutron microfocusing optics and suggest future directions for X-ray nanofocusing optics.