  This chapter describes the history, principles, and recent developments of
large field of view X-ray optics based on lobster eye designs. Most of grazing
incidence (reflective) X-ray imaging systems used in astronomy and other
applications, are based on the Wolter 1 (or modified) arrangement. But there
are also other designs and configurations proposed for future applications for
both laboratory and space environments. Kirkpatrick-Baez (K-B) based lenses as
well as various types of lobster eye optics serve as an example. Analogously to
Wolter lenses, all these systems use the principle that the X-rays are
reflected twice to create focal images. Various future projects in X-ray
astronomy and astrophysics will require large optics with wide fields of view.
Both large Kirkpatrick-Baez modules and lobster eye X-ray telescopes may serve
as solutions as these can offer innovations such as wide fields of view, low
mass and reduced costs. The basic workings of lobster eye optics using Micro
Pore Optics (MPOs) and their various uses are discussed. The issues and
limiting factors of these optics are evaluated and current missions using
lobster eye optics to fulfil their science objectives are reviewed. The Multi
Foil Optics (MFO) approach represents a promising alternative. These
arrangements can also be widely applied in laboratory devices. The chapter also
examines the details of alternative applications for non-Wolter systems in
other areas of science, where some of these systems have already demonstrated
their advantages such as the K-B systems which have already found wide
applications in laboratories and synchrotrons.
