Advancements in diffractive optics for X-ray free-electron laser applications

X-rays offer unique insights into complex samples due to their high penetration depth and chemical sensitivity. Nanostructured diffractive optics are crucial tools in X-ray science, enabling numerous breakthroughs at major research facilities. These optics, including beam-splitting and focusing optics are essential for manipulating X-ray beams across the EUV, soft X-ray, and hard X-ray ranges. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have significantly improved the design and functionality of these optics. XRnanotech AG, a spin-off from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, has been at the forefront of developing high-performance diffractive X-ray optics using advanced nanolithography techniques. Our innovations include diamond-based X-ray optics, high-resolution diffraction gratings, and off-axis beam-splitting zone plates, enabling precise beam control for a wide range of applications. These developments have opened up new possibilities for X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) experiments, enhancing the resolution and sensitivity of X-ray imaging across multiple energy regimes.