X-ray imaging systems employing point-focusing, curved monochromating optics

An x-ray imaging system includes an optical device having at least one point-focusing, curved monochromating optic for directing x-rays from an x-ray source towards a focal point. The at least one point-focusing, curved monochromating optic provides a focused monochromatic x-ray beam directed towards the focal point, and a detector is aligned with the focused monochromatic x-ray beam. The optical device facilitates x-ray imaging of an object when the object is located between the optical device and the detector within the focused monochromatic x-ray beam. In various embodiments: each point-focusing, curved monochromatic optic has an optical surface that is doubly-curved; the optical device facilitates passive image demagnification or magnification depending upon placement of the object and detector relative to the focal point; and at least one second point-focusing, curved monochromatic optic can be employed to facilitate refractive index or polarized beam imaging of the object.