Materials for Phase Zone Plate Fabrication for Use with Soft X-Rays

Twenty-four elements have been examined to find usable materials for phase zone plates for soft X-rays (0.6–11.4 nm). These are Be, C, Al, Si, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ge, Nb, Mo, Ag, Sn, Sb, Te, Ta, W, Pt and Au. The efficiency of first-order focusing has been calculated as a function of wavelength using available optical constants (Henke et al.: Atomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables 27 (1982) 1). The thickness required to give rise to a phase shift of π radians is also shown as a function of wavelength.