A high-resolution scanning electron microscope image of a focusion beam milled cross section in a proof of principle prototype showing diffractive lines down to 5 nm widths. The working device will have 15 micrometers of such nanolaminate layers and will be capable to focus X-rays to 5 nm spots.
Development of advanced x-ray optics for higher photon energies could contribute to better batteries, more efficient solar cells, and novel medicines.
Alcorix Co. announces receipt of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award to develop and bring to market advanced Fresnel zone plates for ultra-hard x-rays (25 keV and above). This work has a high potential impact in providing the scientific community with x‐ray focusing optics which will extend the analysis and imaging capabilities to photon energy ranges, as demanded by synchrotron facilities upgrades, happening worldwide. Once developed, the products would have widespread benefits across the fields of biology, chemistry, material science, medicine, and physics.
“The process to receive a NSF SBIR grant is quite competitive,“ Alcorix’s President, Nicolae Moldovan, said. “We’re honored that the NSF has chosen to help Alcorix bring advanced technology that will ultimately help many areas of the human condition. “
Less than twenty percent of NSF SBIR applications get funding. Five anonymous experts in the field review applications for SBIR grants; the reasoning for acceptance are published with the announcement of the award.
In noting the wide ranging impact of this proposal, one reviewer stated, “This project could contribute to better batteries, more efficient solar cells, new materials, novel drugs and medicines, etc.“ The selection of 20 keV photon energy for an initial target, “is very wise,” noted another review, “because the upgraded storage ring sources will be very bright and there is an unmet need for nano-focusing optics in this energy range. “
“The potential return on investment is very high,” notes a reviewer in support of the proposal. “This proposal offers NSF the opportunity to have an extremely widespread effect on many areas of science. It creates a new tool and places it in the hands of the community where it will be used to leverage the billions of dollars invested globally in the construction and operation of x-ray light facilities. “
The proposed project will last two years, and Alcorix Co. plan to create working prototypes throughout the process. Alcorix is seeking scientists at synchrotron facilities willing to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed optics. Interested beam line scientists should contact sales@alcorix.com.
Alcorix Co. offers off‐the‐shelf products and custom prototyping microfabrication for x-ray beamline applications. Products include resolution targets, refractive focusing devices and more. For more information, visit www.alcorix.com
The specific NSF SBIR Phase II award details can be found here:
https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/1216827
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS - America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF awards $200 million annually to startups and small businesses, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Startups working across almost all areas of science and technology can receive up to $1.5 million in non-dilutive funds to support research and development (R&D), helping de-risk technology for commercial success. America’s Seed Fund is congressionally mandated through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of about $7.8 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. For more information, visit seedfund.nsf.gov.