A new optics for dark-field imaging in X-ray region 'Owl'

An X-ray optics for X-ray dark-field imaging named 'Owl' is proposed. It involves an asymmetric monochromator and a monolithic X-ray optics comprising a collimator C and an analyzer A. The C and A have 4,4,0 diffraction and thickness of 1.08 mm +/- 10 mum. The X-ray energy used was 35 keV. These diffractions have an angular width of approximately 0.3 mu rad. The analyzer A accepts only the refracted component from a sample S which is located between C and A, while eliminating the straight component without reacting with it. Two samples, one Al matrix containing boron fibers of 300 mum diameter and the other a wax block containing a nylon fiber simulating breast cancer, show very clear fiber imaging usually not visible by the conventional X-ray technique.