a new device for x - ray optics is proposed which is an analogous to zone plates but works for higher x - ray energies . this is achieved by using both refraction and diffraction of the x - rays and building the new device in a three dimensional structure , contrary to the zone plates which are basically a two dimensional device . the three dimensional structure is built from a multitude of prisms , utilizing both refraction and diffraction of incoming x - rays to shape the overall x - ray flux . true two dimensional focusing is achieved in the x - ray energy range usually employed in medical imaging and may be used in a wide area of applications in this field and in other fields of x - ray imaging . the device can be readily produced in large volumes .