A diffracting x-ray optic for accepting and redirecting x-rays. The optic
includes at least two layers, the layers having a similar or differing
material composition and similar or differing crystalline orientation.
Each of the layers exhibits a diffractive effect, and their collective
effect provides a diffractive effect on the received x-rays. In one
embodiment, the layers are silicon, and are bonded together using a
silicon-on-insulator bonding technique. In another embodiment, an
adhesive bonding technique may be used. The optic may be a curved,
monochromating optic.