Plane grating monochromators for synchrotron radiation

Abstract The general background and theoretical basis of plane grating monochromators (PGMs) is reviewed and the particular case of grazing incidence PGMs suitable for use with synchrotron radiation is considered in detail. The theory of reflection filtering is described and the problem of the finite source distance is shown to be of special importance with high brightness storage rings. The design philosophy of previous instruments is discussed and a new scheme proposed, aimed at dealing with the problem of the context of Wolter-type telescopes and microscopes. Some practical details concerning an instrument presently under construction using the new design are presented.