Optical considerations and ray tracing simulation of an open-type Wolter microscope for implosion imaging diagnostics

Abstract

Controlled nuclear fusion through laser inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is currently being developed. It is of great significance for energy security, high energy physics and national defense, etc. High-precision X-ray microscopic imaging techniques have become the key to revealing material phenomena and laws under extreme conditions. This paper proposes an open-type Wolter microscope configuration. By utilizing the configuration, a number of modern polishing techniques can be utilized and a balance between imaging performance and the feasibility of optical processing can be achieved. The original enclosed and inner Wolter mirror surfaces have been changed to unclosed outer surfaces. The configuration is characterized by high spatial resolution, large depth of field, and high throughput, among other features. And these characteristics are urgently needed in high-precision X-ray imaging diagnostics. The technical scheme and optical considerations of the configuration are detailed. Ray tracing simulation is used to design key optical parameters and evaluate system imaging performance. In addition, this configuration has potential for various diagnostic purposes, including sub-micron spatial resolution imaging, high-energy high-throughput imaging, multi-color and multichannel imaging, and more.