X-ray optics developments at ESA

Future high energy astrophysics missions will require high performance novel X-ray optics to explore the Universe beyond the limits of the currently operating Chandra and Newton observatories. Innovative optics technologies are therefore being developed and matured by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with research institutions and industry, enabling leading-edge future science missions. Silicon Pore Optics (SPO) [1 to 21] and Slumped Glass Optics (SGO) [22 to 29] are lightweight high performance X-ray optics technologies being developed in Europe, driven by applications in observatory class high energy astrophysics missions, aiming at angular resolutions of 5” and providing effective areas of one or more square meters at a few keV. This paper reports on the development activities led by ESA, and the status of the SPO and SGO technologies, including progress on high performance multilayer reflective coatings [30 to 35]. In addition, the progress with the X-ray test facilities and associated beam-lines is discussed [36].

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[19]  Marcos Bavdaz,et al.  Design, fabrication, and characterization of silicon pore optics for ATHENA/IXO , 2011, Optical Engineering + Applications.

[20]  F. E. Christensen,et al.  Influence of a carbon over-coat on the X-ray reflectance of XEUS mirrors , 2007, 0707.2490.

[21]  Marcos Bavdaz,et al.  Uniform coating of high aspect ratio surfaces through atomic layer deposition , 2012, Other Conferences.

[22]  Carsten P. Jensen,et al.  Coating of silicon pore optics , 2009, Optical Engineering + Applications.

[23]  Marcos Bavdaz,et al.  Optical bench elements (petals) for IXO , 2009, Optical Engineering + Applications.

[24]  Jeroen Haneveld,et al.  Silicon pore optics for astrophysical missions , 2011, Optical Engineering + Applications.

[25]  Marcos Bavdaz,et al.  X-ray pencil beam facility for optics characterization , 2010, Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

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[27]  Finn E. Christensen,et al.  Preliminary coating design and coating developments for ATHENA , 2011, Optical Engineering + Applications.

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[29]  Marcos Bavdaz,et al.  Mass production of silicon pore optics for IXO and ATHENA , 2011, Optical Engineering + Applications.

[30]  Marcos Bavdaz,et al.  Performance prediction and measurement of silicon pore optics , 2009, Optical Engineering + Applications.

[31]  M. Bavdaz,et al.  Metrology, integration, and performance verification of silicon pore optics in Wolter-I configuration , 2006, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[32]  Ray Lundquist,et al.  James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Observatory architecture and performance , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[33]  Paolo Conconi,et al.  Design of the IXO optics based on thin glass plates connected by reinforcing ribs , 2011, Optical Engineering + Applications.

[34]  Marco Beijersbergen,et al.  Novel applications of silicon pore optics technology , 2012, Other Conferences.

[35]  Finn Erland Christensen,et al.  Development and characterization of coatings on silicon pore optics substrates for the ATHENA Mission , 2012, Other Conferences.

[36]  Marcos Bavdaz,et al.  Silicon pore optics development , 2009, Optical Engineering + Applications.