Modeling of x-ray fluorescence full field imaging using planar square pore micro-channel plate optics

International audienceX-ray fluorescence imaging using perfect planar square pore micro-channel plate X-ray optics (MPO) is investigated through the modeling of the MPO point spread function (PSF). A semi-continuous model based on the use of a simplified two parameters reflectivity curve is developed including in particular three kind of contributions. A validation of this model is carried out by calculating variations of several PSF characteristics with the MPO and fluorescence imaging parameters and comparing the results with ray-tracing simulations. A good agreement is found in a large range of X-ray energies; however it is shown that for the lower values of the working distance a discrete model should be used to take into account the periodic nature of the PSF. Ray-tracing simulated images of extended monochromatic sources are interpreted in the light of both the semi-continuous and discrete models. Finally solutions are proposed to improve the imaging properties of MPOs