Reflection grating concept for the Lynx X-Ray Grating Spectrograph

Abstract. The Lynx X-ray Grating Spectrograph (XGS) is responsible for providing high throughput and spectral resolution for soft x-ray energies. This instrument will help characterize the formation of galaxies and a large-scale structure in the universe. Such goals require large effective areas, >4000  cm2, and high resolving power, R  >  5000, over much of the low-energy band, 0.2 to 2.0 keV. A concept design for the XGS using reflection gratings has the potential to achieve these requirements. The design uses achievable grating parameters, efficient packing of the grating array, and a compact detector layout. The concept is presented along with a detailed discussion of the considerations made in its determination.