X-ray optic developments at NASA's MSFC

C. Atkins; B. Ramsey; K. Kilaru; M. Gubarev; S. O'Dell; R. Elsner; D. Swartz; J. Gaskin; M. Weisskopf

doi:10.1117/12.2021526

3 May 2013 X-ray optic developments at NASA's MSFC

C. Atkins, B. Ramsey, K. Kilaru, M. Gubarev, S. O'Dell, R. Elsner, D. Swartz, J. Gaskin, M. Weisskopf

Proceedings Volume 8777, Damage to VUV, EUV, and X-ray Optics IV; and EUV and X-ray Optics: Synergy between Laboratory and Space III; 87770W (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021526
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2013, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a successful history of fabricating optics for astronomical x-ray telescopes. In recent years optics have been created using electroforming replication for missions such as the balloon payload HERO (High energy replicated optics) and the rocket payload FOXSI (Focusing Optics x-ray Solar Imager). The same replication process is currently being used in the creation seven x-ray mirror modules (one module comprising of 28 nested shells) for the Russian ART-XC (Astronomical Rontgen Telescope) instrument aboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma mission and for large-diameter mirror shells for the Micro-X rocket payload.

In addition to MSFC's optics fabrication, there are also several areas of research and development to create the high resolution light weight optics which are required by future x-ray telescopes. Differential deposition is one technique which aims to improve the angular resolution of lightweight optics through depositing a filler material to smooth out fabrication imperfections. Following on from proof of concept studies, two new purpose built coating chambers are being assembled to apply this deposition technique to astronomical x-ray optics. Furthermore, MSFC aims to broaden its optics fabrication through the recent acquisition of a Zeeko IRP 600 robotic polishing machine. This paper will provide a summary of the current missions and research and development being undertaken at NASA's MSFC.

Citation Download Citation

C. Atkins, B. Ramsey, K. Kilaru, M. Gubarev, S. O'Dell, R. Elsner, D. Swartz, J. Gaskin, and M. Weisskopf "X-ray optic developments at NASA's MSFC", Proc. SPIE 8777, Damage to VUV, EUV, and X-ray Optics IV; and EUV and X-ray Optics: Synergy between Laboratory and Space III, 87770W (3 May 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021526

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