Round Table on diffractive X-ray optics


Diffractive X-ray optics are essential elements used in modern imaging and microscopy methods based on X-ray illumination and emission, and novel theoretical approaches are steadily expanding their application fields from soft to hard x-rays. With the fast increasing number of beamlines dedicated to x-ray microscopy and imaging at European large scale facilities in the recent years the fabrication of state-of-the art conventional and non-conventional diffractive x-ray optics is becoming the bottle neck for future developments. The same is true for the emerging scientific and commercial community of compact x-ray imaging technologies.

The Round Table on Diffractive X-ray Optics will bring together the representatives of almost all Synchrotron facilities in Europe and some from the USA and Australia to face the problem and discuss the possible solutions and future developments. In particular the Round Table will focus on the following topics:

  • Brief overview of the present status and costs in time, efficiency and performance due to the lack of appropriate optics. Brief critical overview of the present x-ray diffractive optic 'producers' in Europe and outside Europe.
  • To define the type and amount of conventional high resolution-high efficiency diffractive optics, unconventional optics for modifying beam properties or applying different contrast mechanisms, necessary to maintain the normal operation of the microscopy and imaging stations operating at the large scale facilities and other laboratories. The discussion should also consider the expected requests from the facilities under construction, as well as FELs and laboratories.
  • To evaluate critically the potential and instrumentation of existing European facilities and institutions capable to produce and further develop diffractive X-ray optics and make suggestions for facilities that can be potentially involved.
  • To make approximate predictions for the yearly budget of institutions fabricating diffractive X-ray optics and its current outcome, and estimate a tendency for the next decade. This should include the costs of large scale facilities for characterizing the optics.
  • To identify the best candidates who are ready to invest in long-term continuous developments for providing requested diffractive optics. The funding for fabrication from the large scale facilities via internal and EU programs should be one of the important issues. The 'users' should provide feed-back each year to evaluate and control the fabrication level on transnational level.
  • To discuss dissemination and exploitation of results/ protection of knowledge and the possibility to extend the Round Table initiative to trans-continental collaborations.

The goal and expected outcome of the Round Table on Diffractive X-ray Optics should be

  • To set-up a base "steering" committee that follows the initiation of a European Consortium on diffractive X-ray Optics.
  • To define a roadmap for the fabrication of diffractive X-ray optics for the next one or two decades.
  • To provide a document to be the basis for requesting necessary funds from the facilities, the European Commission and trans-continental collaborations.

 

Last update: 27/02/2006