Microstructured optical arrays

Microstructured Optical Arrays (MOAs) are x-ray focusing instruments, or x-ray optics, other examples of these include zone plates, multilayer mirrors and grazing incidence mirrors. MOAs utilise total external reflection at grazing incidence from an array of small channels with high aspect ratio (around 20) in order to bring x-rays to a common focus (focus (optics)). The grazing incidence reflection method of focusing means that MOAs exhibit low absorption (Absorption (electromagnetic radiation)). Current MOA designs are such that x-rays are reflected from two components in order to reduce comatic aberration (Coma (optics)).

Additional recommended knowledge

Correct Test Weight Handling Guide: 12 Practical Tips

Better weighing performance in 6 easy steps

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

            Fig. 1- MOA with second components compressed.

MOAs are achromatic (which means the focal properties do not change for radiation of different wavelengths) as they utilise grazing incidence reflection. This means that they are able to focus chromatic radiation to a common point unlike zone plates. MOAs are also adjustable as the optic can be compressed in order to alter the focal properties such as focal length. Focal length can be calculated for the system in fig. 1 using the geometry shown in fig. 2 where it can be seen that changing the gap between the components (d+D in the figure) or the radius of curvature (R) will have a large effect on the focal length.

             Fig. 2- Geometry of MOA in configuration shown in fig. 1.

MOAs have been used in configurations shown in figs. 1 & 3 whereby one or both components can be adjusted. This has varying effects on the focal properties, in general it has been found that smaller focal spot sizes are apparent when MOAs are used as shown in fig. 1 with only the second component adjusted.

             Fig. 3- MOA with both component compressed.

The focal length of this system can be calculated using the geometry shown below:

              Fig. 4- Geometry of MOA in configuration shown in fig. 2.

Current microstructured optical arrays are composed of silicon and created via the Bosch process [1], an example of Deep reactive ion etching and not to be confused with the Haber-Bosch process. In the Bosch process the channels are etched into the silicon using a plasma (plasma (physics)) in increments of a few micrometres. In between each etching the silicon is coated with a polymer in order to preserve the integrity of the channel walls.

The focal spot size is important when considering using in microprobe instrumentation whereby x-rays are focused onto a biological sample to investigate phenomena such as the bystander effect [2].

               Fig. 5- Schematic of typical human tissue cell.

It can be seen that in order to target a specific cell (Cell (biology)) the focal spot size of the system must be around 10 micrometres whereas in order to target specific areas of a cell such as the cytoplasm or the cell nucleus it should be no more than a few micrometres. Currently only MOAs in the configuration shown in fig. 1 are thought to be able to achieve this [3].

MOAs provide a good alternative to zone plates in microprobe use due to the adjustable focal properties (making cell alignment easier) and ability to provide focusing of chromatic radiation to a single point. This is particularly useful when considering the finding that different effects can be observed using radiation of different wavelengths [4].

[1] J. Kiihamäki & S. Franssila, J.Vac. Sci.Technol. A17 2280-2285 (1999).

[2] M. P. Little et al.,J.Theo. Bio. 232, 329-338 (2003).

[3] A. G. Michette et al., J.Phys.IV France 104 (2003).

[4] M.R. Raju et al., Rad. Res., 110 396-412 (1987).

Information displayed here is not officially from or condoned by either King's College or the Smart X-Ray Optics consortium.