Diamond lenses from DESY: Precise X-ray optics

Refractive X-ray optics from DESY

DESY has many years of experience in the production and application of refractive X-ray optics. Since 2017, we have been developing innovative solutions for the correction of X-ray optics using refractive phase plates in the 'X-ray Nanoscience and X-ray Optics' working group (further information).

Thanks to our modern laser ablation laboratory, we are able to offer refractive diamond lenses in combination with diamond phase plates for the correction of imaging aberrations. Our expertise in the characterization of X-ray optics through coherent X-ray imaging (ptychography) plays a decisive role in this. Our proximity to the PETRA III X-ray radiation source enables us to make precise measurements and optimize the design of these corrective elements.

Our ability to measure lenses at the synchrotron ensures that we can offer the highest reliability and precision. Combined with our extensive expertise in the design and manufacture of corrective optics using laser ablation, we are able to deliver refractive X-ray optics with outstanding imaging quality.

Areas of application

The lenses are used for imaging with sub-micrometer resolution using high-energy X-rays. This opens up two major areas of application:

Aberration-corrected imaging (full-field microscopy), fold out for more info:

- Phase-contrast X-ray Imaging (PCI), more info
- Dark-field X-ray Microscopy (DFXM), more info
- Full-field/Transmission X-ray Microscopy

Diffraction-limited focusing for scanning imaging processes, fold out for more info:

- X-ray Fluorescence Imaging
- Coherent X-ray Imaging
- Micro/Nano X-ray diffraction

The lenses can also be used for all applications at the European XFEL, as the lenses are correspondingly radiation-resistant.