X-ray microscope capillary condenser system
A radiation condenser system for an X-ray microscope allows for the efficient collection and relay of radiation from a source to the sample. It generates a converging hollow cone of radiation that can be used in the imaging of a sample or target using a zone plate lens. This system comprises a capillary tube for receiving and focusing radiation onto a sample. A center stop is provided for blocking radiation being transmitted along an axis of the capillary tube.
1. A zone plate microscope, comprising:
an electron bombardment source for generating x-ray radiation;
a single capillary tube, having an elliptical curvature, for receiving and focusing radiation onto a sample;
a zone plate lens for collecting the radiation from the sample, wherein a numerical aperture of the capillary tube is matched to the zone plate lens;
a center stop for blocking radiation being transmitted along an axis of the capillary tube;
a pin hole aperture; and
a stop support for attaching the center stop to the capillary tube to support the center stop along the axis of the capillary tube.
2. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the capillary tube is coated with a reflective material.
3. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the center stop is attached to a radiation exit end of the capillary tube by the stop support.
4. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a phase plate, wherein the capillary tube has a pupil aperture that illuminates only part of an aperture of the zone plate lens.
5. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capillary tube has an annular shaped pupil such that a pupil of the zone plate lens is smaller or equal to an inner part of the annular shaped pupil.
6. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capillary tube has an imaging conjugate of unity to minimize image aberration.
7. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capillary tube has a magnifying geometry to achieve suitable illumination of the sample.
8. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the stop support comprises a membrane for supporting the center stop along the axis of the capillary tube.
9. A zone plate microscope as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the membrane is bonded to an end of the capillary tube.
10. A zone plate microscope, comprising:
an electron bombardment source for generating radiation;
a single capillary tube for receiving and focusing the radiation onto a sample;
a detector;
a zone plate lens for collecting the radiation from the sample and focusing the radiation on the detector;
a center stop for blocking radiation being transmitted along an axis of the capillary tube;
a pin hole stop for blocking radiation between the capillary tube and the detector;
a membrane for supporting the center stop along the axis of the capillary tube;
wherein a numerical aperture of the capillary tube is matched to the zone plate lens and the capillary tube has an annular shaped pupil such that a pupil of the zone plate lens is smaller or equal to an inner part of the annular shaped pupil.