In order to decrease focal spot size and to preserve at the same time radiation capture angles polycapilaary lenses are made asymmetrical-inlet capillary diameters are much greater than outlet ones. Usually x-ray radiation propagation through polycapilaary lenses is considered by means of x-rays propagation simulation using Monte-Carlo method. In this work statistical approach is used allowing to analyze in details the process of photons escape from total external reflection regime. Formerly statistical approach was applied to analyze surface roughness influence on x-ray propagation through straight capillaries having constant cross-section diameters. In this work this approach is generalized on bent capillaries with changing cross-section.

In this work a new CAD program, Po1yCAD, designed for X-ray tracing in polycapillary optics is described. As starting approach the simplest case of cylindrical polycapillary optics is presented. Using geometrical optics approximation, PoIyCAD allows any type of X-ray source such as an X-ray tube of finite beam dimensions as well as an astrophysical object in combination with polycapillary optical samples to be simulated. Here we present the results of a simulation in the case of two different sources: a point-source and two spheres as a three-dimensional source. The radiation distributions formed by the lenses of cylindrical shapes on a screen located at various distances are discussed. The agreement with the results earlier published validates Po1yCAD results.

The vector equation is the best model known for describing the diffusion of incoherent photon beams. In this article, a brief overview of the Boltzmann transport equation (scalar and vector) will be given. Then, it will be described the state-of-the-art of the transport codes we developed at Bologna based on this model. Finally, the application of the codes will be illustrated with some examples.

The present paper gives an experimental and theoretic study of the transmission process of protons within the 100 keV to 300 keV energy range through a quartz tube, 100 mm in length and 1.6 mm in diameter. It has been established that protons pass through the tube without energy losses. Proton beam goes through the tube even when the tube axis does not coincide with the beam axis. The angular width of the protons' transmission via tube probability curve versus angle of incidence makes about 3⁰. As authors suggest this effect is explained as follows: as beam transmission starts, protons collide with tube wall and charge it due to electron emission. Collisions of particles with the wall continue until surface charge is produced a field deflecting protons from the wall. So, self-organization of a beam-wall charge system takes place. Computer simulation has shown that distribution of the charge on the wall is axially symmetric and oscillates along the tube. It is known that when charge moves inside oscillating field, which has a gradient, it is subjected to action of a uni-directional force (Miller's force). This force provides protons movement through the wall without collisions with the wall. It has been shown that using a glass tube of conical cross-section permits to focus the beam of charged particles.

Microcapillary lens, designed in the form of glass capillary filled by a set of concave spherical microlenses, is a novel design of the compound refractive lens for X-rays. The microlenses inside the capillary are formed by putting air bubbles into epoxy. The interface between two air bubbles has a biconcave form and may acts as a lens for X-rays. The lens for investigations was realized in the form of 200-microns in diameter glass microcapillary filled by 137 individual epoxy spherical concave lenses. The lens focal length is about 10 cm for 8-keV X-rays. Adelphi Technology, Inc. formerly tested the microcapillary lens at Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory for 7-12 keV X-rays. It was shown that the lens focuses 8-keV synchrotron radiation X-ray beam into micron-sized spot. We have studied a possibility to use the lens for imaging applications for the case when an ordinary copper-anode X-ray tube was used as a source of radiation. The image of the object was recorded by CMOS-camera. The object, lens and CMOS-camera were placed inline at a distance to one from each another satisfied to the lens formula. Results of experiments on with lens imaging of gold mesh are presented and discussed.

The article is on the issues related to the experimental investigation of the phenomenon of total external reflection of γ-quanta from macroscopically smooth surface. The difficulties in the performance of experiment and interpretation of its results required the conduction of computer simulation of the experiment with the method of statistical test (Monte-Carlo method). The results of the performed simulation indicate the possibility for the experiments on the studies of total external reflection of γ-quanta and allow to plan and carry out the experiment in optimal conditions. The experimental data and computer modeling results are compared and analyzed.

Calculation of neutron optical system characteristics should be done with regard to the fact that the sources of thermal neutrons are lengthy objects. Hence, when neutrons pass through the capillaries in neutron optical system (CNOS), there may be a considerable contribution to the total fluence, made by neutrons going along helix-shaped trajectories with angle with the capillary axis exceeding the critical reflection angle. Algorithm has been developed permitting calculation of capillaries' transmission, impact of bending capillaries and their radius variation along the length, as well as angular distribution of radiation output. Monte-Carlo method allows calculation of capillaries with any shape of radius variations. Comparison of calculated and experimental data provides assessment of the quality of CNOS manufacture.

After brief status discussion of the studies in radiation scattering research in micro- and nanocapillaries, in this report a general analysis of X-ray scattering in nanotube samples is presented. The first experimental study of influence of the nanotube alignment on the angular dependence of X-ray fluorescence performed recently, is discussed both from the viewpoint of technological and phenomenological problems.

Hollow glass guides are of interest for temperature and gas sensing devices, for JR surgery and industry, for spectroscopic and radiometric applications in the JR range from 2 to 20 pm. Institute for Roentgen Optics (IRO) is one of the world leaders in x-ray hollow glass optics production. These products are used for transmission and focusing x-rays in the range from 0.2 A (6OKeV) and up. Key technology features are: inner diameters ranging from 0. 1 micron up to several millimeters; length of capillaries ranging from several millimeters up to 1 .5 meter; assemblies of capillaries (lenses, collimators, anti scatter grids) ranging in sizes from 0.1 millimeters up to 200 millimeters. Soon it will be possible to cover the poly capillary channels with metals Ag and Ni. During the mid-1989 till the mid-1990's we were developing x-ray capillary guides and by initiative one of the authors tested them for IR-applications. We found the transmission losses ~4dB/m (SiO₂- based glass, inner diameter a=lmm) and 8dB/m (GeO₂- based glass, inner diameter a=O.7mm) at the wavelength 10.6 μm. In the report we consider single glass capillaries and bundles of capillaries for transmission, focusing, angular and spectral filtration of IR-radiation.

The great possibilities of X-ray techniques for investigation of solid state structures electronic systems and components are widely known. But this technique very useful for conventional applications has some limitations mostly connected with size of apparatus, energy consumption, space limitation, cost and hazard for health. The new generation of such apparatus based on implementation of polycapillary optics for X-ray focusing (Kumakhov lens) gave the great advantages for mass and routine analysis even for industry applications because of easy avoiding of most above-mentioned problems. But in this paper we will mostly discuss the little bit different way of application of this technique devoted to investigation of very new solid state and electronic structures which use elements with nanosize (quantum size) components. Those elements obtain principally new properties and give the possibility to construct absolutely new version of semiconductor devices and electronic integrated schemes. But the progress in this direction is connected not only with developing of new technological processes for production but at the same time with necessity of using new methods for investigation. This last problem is still not solved completely and most effective technique as demonstrated by very recent publications is connected with using of synchrotron radiation. This approach leads to creation of new possibilities for investigation of quantum size elements like quantum dots (QD) and quantum wires (QW).

The paper describes current status ofpoly capillary optics for the recent several years. IRO, together with Unisantis S.A. (Geneva, Switzerland), has created a new generation of x-ray analytical instruments (spectrometers, diffractometers, microscopes, micro-focus x-ray tubes, laboratory synchrotron etc.). This new generation is characterized by high functionality, portability, low power of x-ray source at high-density of x-ray flux; and features many other advantages. They are all based on the theory ofpoly capillary optics. A most significant result consists in creation of poly capillary lenses in the high-energy range -40-60 keV, which is important for medical applications. At this conference, new generations of medical apparatuses will be presented, which have been developed at IRO. These are in principle new medical devices permitting, for example, a 3D imaging based on scattered x-rays. In this instance, the dosage on the patient is by order lower the dosages obtained in case of modem CT. For the first time, the results of new therapeutic systems development will be presented. Some of them are currently undergoing testing in Russian research centers. Of utmost importance is creation of capillary structures with single channel diameter of 20-30 nm, which will be described in a separate talk.

Up to present, neutron applications of polycapillary optics have been rather rear and mostly limited either to feasibility studies or to non-scattering techniques. The practical use of polycapillary focusing neutron optics for purposes of neutron scattering have been hindered by a serious degradation of momentum resolution caused by increased divergence of focused beams. However, limited size of samples available for research as well as limited brightness of present day neutron sources (both reactors and spallation sources) requires to rethink the current situation. Neutron lenses are successfully tested for low Q-resolution applications providing an enormous increase of neutron flux at small samples. Moreover, some recent developments in the field of neutron instrumentation allow us to overcome the resolution problem by decoupling the angular resolution and the incident beam divergence thus opening the opportunity for the use of focusing neutron optics in some high Q-resolution application. Further advances in technology required to improve the performance of neutron polycapillary optics, also in combination with modem methods of polarization of neutron beams, are discussed.

The technological results of the polycapillary structures production are presented. The possibility of making the X-ray lenses for range of energies 8 keV and 22 keV and the structures with holes up to nano-dimensions is showed.

The paper offers a new way of roentgen-radiometric separation of lump material. The technique is based on measuring the intensity of X-ray radiation scattered by particles at small angle. The measurement is done in free fall of the particles of compound substance through the radiation zone.

The special features of X-ray fluorescence analysis application to the determination of Mo, Nb, Zr, Y,Sr, Rb, U, Th and Pb in various types of aluminum silicate rocks are presented. The intensities of the analytical lines and the background were measured using the new Bruker S4 EXPLORER spectrometer. The ranges of analysed contents were (in ppm) 10 to 260 for Mo, 3 to 380 for Nb, 20 to 630 for Zr, 5 to 150 for Y, 5 to 3300 for Sr, 10 to 1500 for Rb, 2 to 63 for U, 5 to 130 for Th and 5 to 250 for Pb.

Investigation of ion-implanted structures by means of X-ray reflectometry was carried out. For this purpose the new methods of reflectivity measurements and the experimental data treatment were developed: double beam method of X-ray reflectometry and the subtraction of trend. The depths or widths of implanted layers, its average density were determined.

An X-ray equipment with a Kumakhov lens for scanning industrial objects on the base of Compton backscatter is presented. The device was equipped with X-ray tube BSV-25 with linear tungsten anode and focal spot size 0.07 x 2.0 mm². The tube voltage and power was 60 kV and 270 W respectively. The focal spot of the lens was 0.08 mm in diameter and the lens transmission was 8.6% at the photon energy 30 keV. Obtained images of various technical objects are presented. The minimum scanning step and the spatial resolution of the images were equal to 0.01 mm and 0.05 mm respectively.

The results of experimental research of x-ray radiation (5-20 keV) passage through capillary structure in a synchrotron radiation (SR) beam of the storage ring BESSY II (Berlin) are presented. The description of experimental setup and researched capillary structure (capillary lens) parameters are given. The procedure of the researched optics adjustment and registration method of the radiation passed through a lens are described. The analysis of experimental data is also given.

Essentially new approach to the x-ray microscopy, based on application cone-shaped polycapillary structure of Kumakhov optics is described. The given approach allows on the basis of usual middle-focus source to receiveimages of shadow objects with the resolution about 1 μm. In addition it is possible to receive images of self-luminous objects with the same resolution. The description of experimental installation and results of researching of shadow and self-luminous objects is submitted. First results of the image computer processing with the purpose of elimination polycapillary grid are also presented.

For realization the express train qualitative phase analysis the system consisting of X-ray micro-diffractometer, based on Kumakhov optics, and a portable computer has been developed. The phases identification programs for new device are described.

Two x-ray imagers are considered with use of commercial TV-cameras on the basis of Sony CCD-matrixes. In the first version a x-ray -visible image conversion on phosphor screen was employed. The second version is based on direct detecting of x-ray photons by a CCD-matrix with the removed protective glass. The design of a breadboard model imager and feature of adaptation of cameras of a type BV-7105HP and SK-1004 is described. The experimental results and examples of application of both imager versions are adduced.

New series of polycapillary lens is developed for medium hard x-rays. At the x-ray energy about 50 keV these lenses give intensity gain in the focal spot (~O.15 mm dia.) at the distance ~0.5m more than two orders of magnitude compared to the direct beam through a pinhole. At 25 keV the gain exceeds 10³. At 22 keV x-ray energy (Ag line) these lenses transmit more than 25% of radiation falling onto entrance window with resultant effective capture solid angles up to 5•10^-4 steradian (25 mrad or 1.4 degree flat angle) and up to 3% with effective capture angles 5•10^-5 steradian (8 mrad or 0.45 degree flat) at 50 keV. Presented are spectral transmission data for such lenses with focal distances 100 to 250 mm. Radial distribution of transmission over the lens input window is also measured. Experimental results are compared with computer calculation.

In the report we consider the experimental set-up for measuring the main characteristics of X-ray capillary products in the X-ray energy band ranging from 4 keV up to 60 keV. These characteristic are: 1) the capillary/lens transmission coefficient; 2) X-ray focal spot sizes of lenses and conical capillaries; 3) focal distances of lenses; 4) the transmission coefficient and the scatter reduction factor (for anti scatter grids). The arrangement is designed to allow measuring spectral dependence of the above characteristics. Example of the measurement of the X-ray poly-capillary transmission coefficient is given. The influence of mechanical and electronic stability on the measured values is discussed. Examples of the designed and manufactured gimbal mounts, translation stages, X-ray collimators and X-ray detectors that were produced by IRO in collaboration with 'Kurchatov Institute' are presented.

A method has been developed for reconstructing continuous x-ray spectrum based on processing spectrometry information obtained as a result of x-rays scattering on light targets. The reconstruction model takes into account coherent and Compton components of scattered radiation, detector resolution and efficacy. The suggested method is universal: it permits to reconstruct the actual shape of spectrum falling onto the x-ray sample. It should be noted that the initial shape of x-ray spectrum as emitted by the anode of x-ray tube is significantly distorted due to various filters, collimators, including x-ray lenses, scattering processes in the media between the anode and sample. A number of examples is given, where x-ray spectra were reconstructed for different configurations of spectrometry tracts. Thus reconstructed x-ray spectra are further used (as input) for quantitative XRF analysis of samples by the method of fundamental parameters (MFP). The developed calculation code implements the MFP version in the original Sherman interpretation6. As input, both the absolute values of intensities for the base lines of characteristic radiation (in case of 1 00% rating), and relative values of intensities rated by the value of the base lines of a "pure element" are used. The procedure of calculating intensities of the "pure element" base lines based on the analysis of samples with known chemical composition is given. Intensities of the base lines of characteristic radiation are determined through application of the deconvolution procedure by the least-squares method. As basic functions, the following is used: Gauss distributions for characteristic radiation lines and piecewise-linear approximation for the background. The efficiency and universal nature of the above comprehensive method is supported by the results of qualitative RFA obtained for a number of samples with known chemical composition using different types of spectrometers.

It is well known that in CT image is obtained on the basis of information about absorption of the primary x-rays going from the source through the object under study. Scattered radiation, occurring in this case, is usually an interfering factor, where in thick objects, for example, inside a human body, about 10 secondary scattered photons per one primary photon occur. This scattered radiation can also be used for purposes of object imaging. This article describes a principally new device, in which scattered radiation is used very efficiently. The idea of the device and new method has been patented.

The Boron-10 NCT is one of the most perspective methods of human anticancer treatment. The introduction of this efficient method into medical practice makes possible more selective and precise destruction of tumour cells without any damage of normal tissues. The basis of NCT method is destructive effect of products of nuclear reaction ¹⁰B(n,α,γ)⁷Li. This reaction produces particles - helium nuclei (alpha-particles) and lithium nuclei - with too high linear energetic loss in animal tissues and poor integrated sweep (to 14 μm) what is comparable with single cell diameter. Actual use of BNCT for treatment of human malignant tumours is dependent on resolution of various and complex scientific and technical problems. Namely: the development of novel boron preparations selectively carrying ¹⁰B into cancer cells, providing optimal concentration and microdistribution of ¹⁰B in these and remaining there during all necessary irradiation time; formation of therapeutic neutron fluxes of needed power, spectrum and intensity; provision of adequate planning and monitoring methods for current ¹⁰B-NCT making possible to evaluate a boron concentration in animal tissues in real time, to see macro- and microdistribution of the same, allowing precise microdosimetry; optimization of irradiation regimens and of drug administration schedules conformably to concrete neutron flux in different objects.

At present, an analysis of 3D bone structure is a significant problem in osteoporosis diagnostics. It's necessary to invent new devices with spatial resolution less then 0.2 mm for these purposes. A Kumakhov lens allows to focus X-rays with energy of 40-50 keV into a spot of 0.2 mm in diameter and is a suitable tool for such devices. Currently, IRO has developed such lenses. The lens parameters and preliminary results of scanning various objects by the VolumeScope with Kumakhov lens are reported.

The VolumeScope, a prototype X-ray scanner based on Compton backscatter detection, is described. The device was designed for measurement of 3D electron density distribution of biological objects. General principles and technical parameters of the device are presented. A few test phantoms and biological objects were examined to evaluate an image quality of the device: a human forearm phantom, a CT calibration phantom and a young pig. 3D electron density distributions were reconstructed and represented as gray-scale sections and 3D surfaces of internal structures. Cartilages, bones, and other internal objects inside the pig head are well visible. Electron density contrast of bones in the objects is in qualitative agreement with real parameters of used tissue-equivalent materials. Some underestimation of the electron density was obtained in deep slices and most pronounced under the bones.

During LNCT the exposed object represents a practically ideal trap for neutrons In this instance, the number of neutrons that entered the object through the inlet hole is equal to the number of nuclear reactions of their absorption. Using this model and nuclear data about all considered nuclides for a biological tissue, the following INCT characteristics were theoretically calculated with regard to introduction of dosage-forming preparations based on different concentrations of lOB, l57Gd and 235U nuclides: - effective masses irradiated by thermal neutrons, - energies absorbed in the object for one thermal neutron entered, - partial content of basic dosage-forming reactions, - partial content of absorbed dosage of thermal neutrons from basic dosage-forming reactions, - quantity of thermal neutrons needed to create a total absorbed dosage of 5 Gr within the focal spot area of 0,28 cm², - number of nuclear reactions with dosage-forming nuclides of preparations per one cell based on the cell volume of 7x7x7 m. It follows from the data obtained that dosage-forming nuclide ¹⁰B is not only the optimal but also the only one suitable for INCT. Using the obtained outcome, one can assess parameters of capillary neutron optical systems (CNOS) that are pre-requisite to implement INCT at particular experimental channels (EC) of research nuclear reactors.

The communication describes therapeutic apparatus "Midi Scalpel" developed at IRO and designed for therapy of tumors at 2 to 4 cm depths. Irradiator's movements enable a significant reduction in the radiation dosage on the skin and tissues above the tumor under exposure.

The modulation transfer function was determined on the VolumeScope, a prototype X-ray Compton scatter tomographic scanner. The linear spread function of the device was measured independently along each coordinate axis with a 0.3 mm aluminum foil slightly angled with respect to the voxel grid. A technique of the presampled MTF generation was used to increase a sampling frequency of the data and reduce a statistical noise. The LSFs and MTFs along three coordinate axes are presented. The FWHMs of the LSF peaks are 2.50, 2.3 1 and 3.72 mm along the axes X, Y and Z respectively. The MTF cutoff frequencies are 0.45,0.50 and 0.35 cycle/mmrespectively.

The VolumeScope, a prototype 3D X-ray scanner based on Compton backscatter detection, was designed for examination of a human body electron density distribution. An algorithm and computer program for 3D image reconstruction from the VolumeScope measured data are presented. The reconstruction includes corrections for photon attenuation and multiple scatter in surrounding tissues and postprocessing digital filtering. Properties of multiple scattered photons inside the object of examination were studied by Monte Carlo technique and a geometrical efficiency of the multiple scatter detection was calculated on the base of the collimator design. The contribution of multiple scattered photons in semi-infinite water medium was from 15 to 23% of maximum detector response. The VolumeScope program is described to perform data processing and display the electron density distribution of the object as 2D grayscale images and 3D surfaces of internal structures.

An absorbed dose in a patient due to an X-ray examination by the VôlumeScope Compton scatter tomographic scanner was calculated and measured. The calculation model takes into account the energy spectrum of incident photons, the attenuation of primary and scattered radiation in the surrounding medium, multiple scattering and detector/collimator efficiency. The measurements were performed in various parts of a tissue-equivalent human phantom by LiF thermoluminescent detectors. Typical measured dose per examination was 1-3 mGy, the calculated dose was 1.95-2.2 mGy.

A number of examinations were performed on the VolumeScope Compton scatter tomographic device and a CT scanner (Siemens Somatom Plus 4) using an anthropomorphic tissue-equivalent heterogeneous phantom simulating a human body. Three main parts of the phantom were under examination: head, thorax and pelvis. An absorbed dose in the phantom was measured by LiF thermoluminescent detectors. The CT scanner demonstrated better space resolution in cross-plane and lower statistical noise. On the other hand, absorbed dose due to CT scanning is about 20 times higher at the same points of measurement. Examples of reconstructed images are presented.

The radiography with micro focus x-ray tube is very promising for use in non-destructive industrial control, medical and biological x-ray imaging. We investigated a micro focus x-ray tube with hollow anode to find the smallest available focal spot sizes under the different values of the X-ray tube load. The electron beam focusing system of the x-ray tube was designed with the use of the deflection-coil assemblies and a short focusing lens. Under varying the tube power load from 20W to 70W we found that the X-ray focal spot size (full width at half maximum-FWHM) is changed from 25 μm to 54 μm. The methods of focal spot size measurements are shortly described. Examples of radiographic images of the pair-line object target (phantom CIRS 1 1A) are presented. The phantom study showed the resolving power 18 pl/mm÷20 pl/mm. Practical applications of the developed X-ray apparatus are discussed in the report.

The possibilities of increasing the sensitivity of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) of solutions with the use of special preconcentrating sensors are described in the article. The sensors are made from polycapillary tubes or plates consisting of hundred thousands micro-channels, each containing a micro-grain of collecting sorbent. The kinetic regularities for preconcentration of micro-components from solutions are considered. Experimental results are given for EDXRF analyses of different solutions containing metals and other elements in trace amounts, and the detection limits of tens and hundreds ppb are demonstrated. The pilot sample of a new analytical instrument <> is shortly described.

The experience of constructing lowpower sources of X-ray radiation based on tubes with through-type target and air cooling. A number of problems arising when developing the source for feeding the circuit of the X-ray tube target are considered.

The paper presents development of a high-performance monochromator creating a parallel x-ray beam. Monochromator was developed on the basis of Kumakhov polycapillary optics. Quasi-parallel beams are formed by Kumakhov x-ray half-lenses and had divergence of ~12' for Cu line. Work was done using Si wafers with shear planes (111) and (001), the surface layers of which were subjected to distortions through grinding with diamond powders with different grain size. Drastic increase of the integral intensity of diffraction maximum was observed when the angle of disorientation in the objects matched x-ray beam divergence. In this instance, half-width of the maximum grows up as well. The efficiency of Si(111) monochromator with treated surface is 3 times less than the efficiency of graphite monochromator, but divergence a of the beam obtained is more than twice better compared with the beam after graphite monochromator. A similar picture is also observed in case of non-kinematics scheme of exposure with x-ray diffractometer/sorter based on a polycapillary lens.

The X-ray projection microscope with the use of polycapillary optics is described. The focusing Kumakhov lens with a focus size of 1 50 m and an energy-dispersive Si-detector allow local analysis of chemical elements concentrations and distributuions. The same lens can be used for local radiation procession with a dose rate up to 10 Gy/s. Digital projections are recorded by the 1300x1030 detecting array with a pixel size of 6.7 μm. The radiation spectrum can be strongly modulated by changing X-ray source voltage, rotation the filter cassette, and by placing in the incident beam the polycapillary half-lens. Conditions for enhancing image contrast by the digital subtraction of X-ray projections registered at different spectrum distributions in the energy range of 5-25 keV are considered. It is shown that when an object is irradiated by polychromatic radiation, the use of a Ni filter and a NiCl₂ contrast solution provides results that were previously obtained by subtracting images with monochromatic spectral lines near the K-jump of absorption in the contrast media. X-ray fluorescence spectra and contrast enhanced images of biological objects are presented.

To improve the resolving capacity of position-sensitive detector, a polycapillary raster system permitting filtration of diffracted x-rays is suggested. Glass polycapillary collimating system has a spherical shape, while tubular channels are oriented along the radii of this spherical surface. This allows maximum utilization of diffracted x-rays. Spatial collimation enables minimization of the instrumental width of diffraction maximum and FWHH values are achieved by using monochromatic x-rays. Combined application of the polycapillary raster system and respective 3-filter enables their efficient use in diffractometers for express analysis of polycrystalline materials with complex composition.

Now the phase-contrast (PC) radiography with monochromatic synchmtron radiation sources is very promising for use in non-destructive industrial control, medical and biological X-ray imaging. Unfortunately synchrotron sources are rather expensive for laboratory practice. We are developing a phase-contrast imaging with a micro focus X-ray tube. We performed numerical calculations with Fresnel-Kirchhgoff formalism to obtain values of PC-signals taking into account polychromatic nature of X-ray radiation, a finite size of a source, and a finite resolution of a detector including spectral sensitivity of the detector. We conducted experiments with a micro focus X-ray tube to find absolute values of PC signals for some models of biological tissue and technical materials in presence of scattering X-rays that emerge from the object. By means of simple set of the experimental arrangement it is possible to obtain the phase-contrast image map of the boundaries between regions with the density difference of order ~1 g/cm³. Under experimental conditions the minimal detected PC-signal is found for the plastic fiber 45 tm in diameter. Examples ofthe X-ray PC-images of fishes, images of air bubbles and ribs, slag inclusions in joint weld of Al-Li alloy materials, and images of sapphire microspheres for cellular metallic structures are presented.

To control the structure of piezoceramics in the course of their manufacture, portable x-ray complex developed based on polycapillary optics was used. Polycapillary optics permits to render the instrument significantly smaller in size, use lowpower x-ray source (-30W), improve resolution, and decrease the exposure time. Formation by Kumakhov half-lens of the primary parallel x-ray beam and filtration of diffracted radiation by a special polycapillary system enables successful express analysis of the structure in the production environment. Analysis was performed of completeness of the Pb₃TixZryO₃ phase formation in case of low-temperature (synthesis) and high-temperature baking of the mixture of components, presence of free Ph, observance of specified ratio of zirconium content to titanium. Ferroelectrics feature maximum piezoelectric properties only within a narrow range of phase and element composition (x 48±2, y 52±2). This interval is correspondent to pseudo-cube lattice with a=b <