Simulation of the XMM mirror performance based on metrology data

The high throughput x-ray spectroscopy mission (XMM) is a 'cornerstone' project in the ESA Long-Term Programme for Space Science. The satellite observatory uses three grazing incidence mirror modules coupled to reflection grating spectrometers and x-ray CCD cameras. In order to achieve a large effective area, each XMM mirror module consists of 58 Wolter I mirrors which are nested in a coaxial and cofocal configuration. Each mirror shell is characterized by detailed metrology before further integration into the mirror modules. The present paper describes the mirror metrology and the way metrology data will be used to simulate the mirror performance. Simulation results are compared with x-ray images.