Towards Realizing X-Ray Resonators

Abstract

X-ray Fabry-Pérot resonators (or interferometers) offer the potential for achieving much higher spectral resolution than is possible with the monochromators and analyzers discussed in the previous two sections. The physics underlying the x-ray Fabry-Pérot resonators was addressed in Chap. 4, where also the technical challenges of their implementation were investigated. In Chapt. 5.3 it was ascertained that sapphire is a proper material for Bragg back-reflecting mirrors. In the current chapter we present the concept and design of a prototype x-ray Fabry-Pérot resonator, and pilot experiments with such a device, following original publications (Shvyd’ko et al. 2003b,a, Shvyd’ko 2002). The primary aim of these studies was to test the theory, to test the principles, and to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving very high energy resolution with x-ray Fabry-Pérot resonators.