Diffractive–refractive optics: low‐aberration Bragg‐case focusing by precise parabolic surfaces

Based on analytical formulae calculations and ray‐tracing simulations a low‐aberration focal spot with a high demagnification ratio was predicted for a diffractive–refractive crystal optics device with parabolic surfaces. Two Si(111) crystals with two precise parabolic‐shaped grooves have been prepared and arranged in a dispersive position (+,−,−,+) with high asymmetry. Experimental testing of the device at beamline BM05 at the ESRF provided a focal spot size of 38.25 µm at a focal distance of 1.4 m for 7.31 keV. This is the first experiment with a parabolic‐shaped groove; all previous experiments were performed with circular grooves which introduced extreme aberration broadening of the focal spot. The calculated and simulated focal size was 10.8 µm at a distance of 1.1 m at 7.31 keV. It is assumed that the difference between the measured and calculated/simulated focal spot size and focal distance is due to insufficient surface quality and to alignment imperfection.