INFN-LNF Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati
The XLab Frascati (XlabF, Prof. S. Dabagov’s Lab) is specialized in theoretical and experimental research on interaction of various charged particles beams and electromagnetic radiation of a different frequency range between themselves and with the substance, also offering the possibility of conducting experiments with controlled analytical techniques on the use of X-rays (Tomography, Diffractometry and Fluorescence).
In parallel, the XlabF is focalised on the production and characterization of particular X-ray optics: the polycapillary lenses. These optics are made up of millions of hollow channels (capillaries) made of glass that offer the effective way for manipulation of X-rays, similarly to what happens with visible light in optical fibers, as in every single channel characterized by well-defined curvature the X radiation is transmitted through the multiple radiation reflection by internal capillary walls. The particular geometry of polycapillary lenses, with a characteristic “barrel” or “semi-barrel” shape, enables the collection of a divergent radiation beam to the optics focus or convert it into a quasiparallel beam. In this sense, the X-Channel Technological Pole (that’s part of XlabF) was established, with the aim of producing poly-and micro-capillaries to create X-ray optics of various shapes and transmission parameters. As a result, the use of polycapillary lenses with conventional X-ray sources enables the production of very brilliant sources of X-rays that, in turn, improve the performance of X-rays – based spectroscopies.