Manufacture

The basic technology required to manufacture mirrors and diffraction crystals suitable for the special demands of x-ray synchrotron applications has been available for many years. The grinding and polishing techniques were originally developed for the manufacture of astronomical optics.

Unlike astronomical optics, x-ray mirrors for synchrotron applications tend to have high aspect ratios (long and thin) dictated by the need for grazing incidence reflection. This factor, together with the need to consider thermal management due to the absorbed x-ray power (and therefore different types of mirror material) require special polishing processes to be developed.

Crystal Scientific utilises sophisticated processing techniques based on continuous polishing methodology. These methods have been optimised for the material types and geometrical forms demanded by x-ray synchrotron applications.