New approaches in analysis of soft X-rays using gratings

The properties of the state-of-the art transmission gratings are discussed and put in context with reflection gratings, zone plates and multi-layer mirrors. Efficiency as well as resolution of the systems are comparable but the different approaches have widely different emphasis and fields of application. The importance of alignment and continuous monitoring of the performance of a grazing incidence monochromator is emphasized and results from an analysis of alignment effects are presented. New developments in multiple combinations of different optical elements are discussed and proposed as important applications of synchrotron radiation.