A microscope for hard x-rays based on parabolic compound refractive lenses

We describe refractive x-ray lenses with parabolic profile that are genuine imaging devices, similar to glass lenses for visible light. They open considerable possibilities in x-ray microscopy, tomography, microanalysis, and coherent scattering. Based on these lenses a microscope for hard x-rays is described, that can operate in the range from 2 to 60 keV, allowing for magnifications up to 50. At present, using aluminum lenses, it is possible to image an area of about 300μm in diameter with a resolving power of 0.3μm. Using beryllium as a lens material, the resolution can be increased below 0.1μm. The microscope allows to image opaque samples without destructive sample preparation and without the need of a vacuum chamber. It is particularly useful for in situ studies of wet samples, like biological and geological specimens. Imaging in both absorption and phase contrast is possible