Microscope using an x-ray tube and a bubble compound refractive lens

We present x-ray images of grid meshes and biological material obtained using an unfiltered x-ray tube and, a compound refractive lens composed of microbubbles embedded in epoxy inside a glass capillary. Images obtained using this apparatus are compared with those using a synchrotron source and the same lens. We find that the field of view is larger than that obtained using the synchrotron source, whereas the contrast and resolution are reduced. Geometrical distortion around the edges of the field of view is also reduced. The experiments demonstrate the usefulness of the apparatus in a modest laboratory setting. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.