The Center for X-Ray Optics is a research center housed in the physics building. Research is focused on the development of new X-ray technology and computational techniques for a variety of applications. Medical applications include mammography, radiography, and x-ray therapy. Materials-based applications include X-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, and neutron activation. The Center was founded by Professor Walter Gibson in 1990 to investigate the science and technology of the newly invented Kumakhov poy-capillary x-ray optics. This technology, consisting of arrays of hollow glass tubes, provided a new mechanism for controlling X-ray and neutron beams. X-rays or slow neutrons incident on the interior of the glass tubes at small angles are guided down the tubes by total external reflection in much the way fiber optics guide light. A second technology, curved crystals is also studied. Synchrotron research employing capillary optics, including radiation damage effects studies, was also part of the Center's research. Capillary optics also provided a forum for theoretical and experimental analysis of x-ray scattering and surface effect phenomenon, since the penetration depth of grazing incidence x-rays into glass is less than 10 nm. The Center for X-Ray Optics houses six X-ray beamlines designed for testing novel X-ray technology development x-ray. These include two 4 KW rotating anode sources and a flexible low-power microfocus test station. Facilities include associated electronics, motion control, and computers. Collaborations allowed for experiments at external facilities, including a medical radiology department, the cold neutron source using the National Institute of Standards and Technology nuclear reactor, and three synchrotron facilities.
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