Silicon pore optics for astrophysical missions

The establishment of Silicon Pore Optics (SPO) as the technology of choice for the implementation of future large X-ray space optics has opened up the road to its use in all classes of X-ray missions with varying scientific goals. This interest has given us the possibility to broaden the design parameter space which is normally considered for SPO optics. In doing so a number of classical space X-ray optics design issues (e.g., field of view, stray light, baffling, aberrations) have been tackled. In this paper we report on recent results achieved in this effort. Particular attention will be given to the issues of stray light and baffling, a topic upon which a combination of analytical, simulation, and data analysis means can be effectively brought to bear. Missions considering the use of SPO optics have requirements spanning more than two orders of magnitude in energy, and a factor 20 in focal length. The possibilities that can be considered and the trade offs that must be made when applying SPO to such a wide range of optical designs will be illustrated, and some of the possible solutions discussed.