Development of novel tapered-monocapillary optics

Abstract

A new approach for producing tapered-moncapillary optics has been demonstrated. The fabrication process permits the production of metal optics which are accurately shaped, extremely straight, and have very low surface-roughness. Wide latitude in the selection of materials comprising the optics is possible. Preliminary experiments using gold paraboloidal-capillaries have demonstrated flux-density gains approaching 100 in 10-micron focused beams. The fabrication process, testing procedures, and experimental results are described. Potential improvements to the optics for achieving higher gains and smaller spot-sizes are discussed.