X-ray Radiation and Artificial Bragg Structures

The artificial Bragg structures (ABS) studied in this book have revolutionized X-ray optics. They are based on (quasi-) periodic stacks of nanoscale thin films with periods close to the wavelength of the radiation. X-ray Radiation and Artificial Bragg Structures presents the historical prolegomena relating to X-ray sources and the initial development of ABS. It analyzes the modeling of ABS characteristics and performance, and their optimization. It also presents matrix and recursive methods, coupled-wave theory and scattering theory. This book also examines ABSs as seats for special quantum and magneto-optic phenomena. It discusses the application of ABSs, as well as promising developments in EUV lithography and the realization of new X-ray sources. Finally, it presents the prospects offered by ABSs in the near future, particularly in the field of coherent sources and X-ray lasers.