Focusing optics for laboratory sources in X-ray crystallography

A variety of focusing elements for X-rays can now be designed which, when used with high-brilliance micro-focus X-ray sources, can greatly improve the collimation of the primary X-ray beam, increase the intensity of the diffraction pattern and reduce the necessary power of the X-ray source, in comparison with conventional systems. The numerical aperture is calculated for a number of combinations which it is technically possible to construct; the type of X-ray source required for these devices is examined. The high degree of collimation which can be achieved is particularly valuable in the study of single crystals of proteins and other biological macromolecules.