Fototermin 20.1. Smooth mirrors for X-rays In the PICO cleanroom at Park Innovaare, re- As part of the Nano-Argovia project CAPOFOX, researchers have searchers in the Nano-Argovia project CAPOFOX developed new lithographic approaches to the production of are processing light-sensitive coatings on wafers in order to subsequently produce the improved micro-optical components from polymers. These components X-ray capillary optics. are known as capillary optics and consist of elongated cylindri- cal mirrors that precisely concentrate light on a point by means of reflection. To enable the use of both ultraviolet and X-rays, the mirrors need to have an extremely low surface roughness. “Over the last year, the For this work, the interdisciplinary team combined aspects CAPOFOX project has led to of tool engineering, laser technology, design and materials sci- remarkable improvements in ence to allow the production of these extremely smooth poly- the reduction of surface rough- mer structures. In the second year of the project, the research- ness, allowing us to obtain very ers succeeded in determining the origins of the roughness and smooth surfaces that signifi- in producing the first components. This work will serve as the cantly improve our product basis for producing X-ray capillaries with improved surfaces in development work. This innova- the coming year. tive approach not only ensures Collaboration between: Paul Scherrer Institute PSI // high performance but also FHNW School of Life Sciences // XRnanotech AG (Villigen, opens the door to effective fu- AG) ture applications. We’re Project description: https://bit.ly/3ThvoMr delighted to play a part in such transformative improvements.” Dr. Florian Döring, XRnanotech AG 42 SNI Annual Report 2024