Optical Systems for Focusing Gamma-rays

Bill Craig
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory,
Physics and Advanced Technologies
November 27, 2001

Abstract:
A new generation of optical systems, allowing true focusing of X and gamma-rays in the few to 200 keV bandpass, is now nearing maturity. These systems combine graded-depth multilayer structures with traditional grazing incidence X-ray optics to produce broad-bandpass, high-efficiency instruments with excellent angular resolution. While the original impetus for these optics came from the astrophysics community, a number of other applications are now under development. Systems optimized for astrophysics, medical imaging and non-proliferation will be presented. The motivation, requirements and development path for these systems will be discussed along with details on construction and measured performance.