Prof. Melville P. Ulmer Profile

Prof. Melville P. Ulmer

Full Professor at Northwestern Univ

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (80)

Proceedings Article | 5 October 2023 Presentation + Paper

Further progress toward enabling a deployable shape memory alloy normal incidence space telescope for the extreme ultraviolet

Melville Ulmer, Daniel Quispe, Len Seals, Giovanni De Vita, S. Stagon, Nicholas Asbury, D. Buchholz, Jian Cao, Y.-W. Chung, Raj Vaidyanathan

Proceedings Volume 12679, 126790A (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2677459

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Polishing, Shape memory alloys, Mirrors, Coating, Surface finishing, Magnetism, Education and training, Polymers, Space telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 5 October 2023 Poster + Paper

Advances in the control of Si substrates with magnetic smart materials to provide low-power surface control on the sub-nanometer level for space deformable mirrors

Daniel Quispe, Melville Ulmer, Donald Buchholz, Yip-Wah Chung, Jian Cao

Proceedings Volume 12680, 126802A (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2676880

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Actuators, Coronagraphy, Magnetism, Wavefronts, Deformable mirrors, Mirror surfaces, Magnetostrictive materials

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Proceedings Article | 4 October 2022 Presentation + Paper

Magnetic smart material application to synchrotron x-ray optics: prospects and current progress

Melville Ulmer, Daniel Quispe, Donald Buchholz, Yip-Wah Chung, Jian Cao, Konstantina Kritikos

Proceedings Volume 12240, 122400B (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2633973

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Silicon, X-ray optics, Actuators, Smart materials, Mirrors, Synchrotrons, Deformable mirrors, Wavefronts

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Proceedings Article | 31 August 2022 Poster + Paper

A concept for a deployable normal incidence EUV mirror based on shape memory alloy sheets

Melville Ulmer, Jeffrey Dugard, Daniel Quispe, Donald Buchholz, Steve Stagon, Yip-Wah Chung, Jian Cao, Konstantina Kritikos, Nicolas Guerra, Mark Stahl, Ron Shiri, Rajan Vaidyanathan

Proceedings Volume 12181, 1218131 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630153

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Extreme ultraviolet, Shape memory alloys, Polishing, Surface finishing, Reflectivity, Plating, Multilayers, Stars

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SPIE Journal Paper | 17 August 2021

Measuring large amplitude surface figure error using coordinate metrology

Manal Khreishi, Raymond Ohl, Ryan McClelland, Ron Shiri, Tilak Hewagama, Shahid Aslam, Melville Ulmer, Edgar Canavan, Rongguang Liang

OE, Vol. 60, Issue 08, 084103, (August 2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.OE.60.8.084103

KEYWORDS: Metrology, Mirrors, X-ray optics, Optical engineering, Silicon, Optical testing, Semiconducting wafers, Optical fabrication, Photovoltaics, Interferometry

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Proceedings Article | 16 December 2020 Presentation + Paper

The prospects for applying magnetic smart materials combined with shape memory alloys to produce correctable and deployable space telescopes

Melville Ulmer, Mohammadreza Jalilvand, Nicholas Marks, D. B. Buchholz, Brooke Fujishima, Nicolas Guerra, Jian Cao, Y- W. Chung, T. B. Baturalp, V. L. Coverstone, S. P. Stagon, Giovanni De Vita, Jeffrey Dugard, Raj Vaidyanathan

Proceedings Volume 11451, 114511X (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2564726

KEYWORDS: Shape memory alloys, Magnetism, Smart materials, Space telescopes, Space mirrors, Mirrors, New and emerging technologies, Specular reflections, Surface finishing

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SPIE Journal Paper | 9 July 2020

Stable membrane candidate for deployable membrane space telescopes

Turgut Baturalp, Luis Rodriguez, Victoria Coverstone, Rocco Coppejans, Jian Cao, Yip-Wah Chung, D. Bruce Buchholz, Melville Ulmer

JATIS, Vol. 6, Issue 03, 034001, (July 2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.6.3.034001

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Magnetism, Space telescopes, Coating, Sputter deposition, Profiling, Chromium, Wavefront sensors, Space mirrors

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Proceedings Article | 9 September 2019 Paper

Progress toward controlling the shape of Si mirrors coated with a magnetic smart material

M. Ulmer, M. Jalilvanda, D. Buchholz, D. Matthews, Jonathan Cao, B. Fujishima, N. Marks, Jian Cao, Y-W. Chung

Proceedings Volume 11119, 1111918 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2527309

KEYWORDS: Sputter deposition, Mirrors, Magnetism, Coating, Silicon, Smart materials

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Proceedings Article | 18 September 2018 Presentation + Paper

Magnetostrictively deforming the surface of a silicon wafer at two locations

M. Ulmer, R. Coppejans, M. Khreishi, K. Keely, D. Buchholz, R. Shiri, L. Rodriguez, A. O'Donnell, Z. Schonfeld, W. Reinhardt, L. Borgsmiller, T. Baturalp, V. Coverstone, J. Cao

Proceedings Volume 10761, 107610B (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2322511

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Mirrors, Silicon, Actuators, X-ray optics, Sputter deposition, Semiconducting wafers, Head, Roads, X-ray telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 6 July 2018 Presentation + Paper

Membrane mirror evaluation of APERTURE: a precise extremely large reflective telescope using re-configurable elements

Turgut Baturalp, Victoria Coverstone, Rocco Coppejans, Jian Cao, YipWah Chung, David Buchholz, M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 10698, 106981K (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2309826

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Magnetism, Magnetostrictive materials, Wavefronts, Wavefront reconstruction, Space telescopes, Wavefront sensors, Profiling, Temperature metrology

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Proceedings Article | 5 September 2017 Paper

APERTURE, a precise extremely-large reflective telescope using re-configurable element: a progress report

R. Coppejans, M. Ulmer, D. Buchholz, X. Wang, J. Cao, V. Coverstone, T. Baturalp, K. Condron, A. O'Donnell, B. Harpt, W. Reinhardt, M. Johnson

Proceedings Volume 10398, 103980N (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2274278

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Magnetism, Space telescopes, Reflectivity, Reflector telescopes, Telescopes, Smart materials, Active optics, Optical calibration, James Webb Space Telescope

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Proceedings Article | 29 August 2017 Presentation + Paper

Controlling the shapes of coated silicon substrates via magnetic fields, a progress report

Melville Ulmer, Rocco Coppejans, David Buchholz, Jian Cao, Xiaoli Wang, Alejandro Mercado, Jun Qian, Lahsen Assoufid, Allison O'Donnell, Kyle Condron, Benjamin Harpt

Proceedings Volume 10399, 103991N (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2274210

KEYWORDS: Silicon, Mirrors, Magnetism, X-ray optics, X-ray astronomy, Telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 27 October 2016 Paper

Toward large-area sub-arcsecond x-ray telescopes II

Stephen O'Dell, Ryan Allured, Andrew Ames, Michael Biskach, David Broadway, Ricardo Bruni, David Burrows, Jian Cao, Brandon Chalifoux, Kai-Wing Chan, Yip-Wah Chung, Vincenzo Cotroneo, Ronald Elsner, Jessica Gaskin, Mikhail Gubarev, Ralf Heilmann, Edward Hertz, Thomas Jackson, Kiranmayee Kilaru, Jeffrey Kolodziejczak, Ryan McClelland, Brian Ramsey, Paul Reid, Raul Riveros, Jacqueline Roche, Suzanne Romaine, Timo Saha, Mark Schattenburg, Daniel Schwartz, Eric Schwartz, Peter Solly, Susan Trolier-McKinstry, Melville Ulmer, Alexey Vikhlinin, Margeaux Wallace, Xiaoli Wang, David Windt, Youwei Yao, Shi Ye, William Zhang, Heng Zuo

Proceedings Volume 9965, 996507 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2238247

KEYWORDS: X-ray telescopes, Mirrors, Coating, X-ray optics, Silicon, Ion implantation, X-rays, Thin films, Ions, Iridium

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Proceedings Article | 9 September 2016 Presentation + Paper

Shaping Si, NiCo, and glass substrates via stresses in the coatings

Xiaoli Wang, Youwei Yao, Shi Ye, Tianchen Liu, Lahsen Assoufid, Jian Cao, M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 9965, 99650D (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2237785

KEYWORDS: Silicon, Optical coatings, Glasses, Magnetism, X-ray optics, Mirrors, X-ray astronomy, X-rays, Thin film coatings, X-ray telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 29 July 2016 Paper

APERTURE: a precise extremely large reflective telescope using re-configurable elements

M. Ulmer, V. Coverstone, J. Cao, Y.-W. Chung, M.-C. Corbineau, A. Case, B. Murchison, C. Lorenz, G. Luo, J. Pekosh, J. Sepulveda, A. Schneider, X. Yan, S. Ye

Proceedings Volume 9904, 99041I (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231679

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Space telescopes, Magnetism, Telescopes, James Webb Space Telescope, Magnetostrictive materials, Head, Rockets, Actuators, Composites

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Proceedings Article | 27 July 2016 Paper

New progress in electron-injection detectors for NIR imagers with low noise and high frame rates

Mohsen Rezaei, Min-Su Park, Skylar Wheaton, Chee Leong Tan, Vala Fathipour, Olivier Guyon, Melville Ulmer, Hooman Mohseni

Proceedings Volume 9915, 99150P (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233657

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Imaging systems, Cameras, Near infrared, Adaptive optics, Indium gallium arsenide, Mercury cadmium telluride, Readout integrated circuits, Astronomy, Quantum efficiency

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Proceedings Article | 4 September 2015 Paper

Investigation of magnetically smart films applied to correct the surface profile of light weight X-ray optics in two directions

Xiaoli Wang, Youwei Yao, Jian Cao, Semyon Vaynman, Michael Graham, Tianchen Liu, M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 9603, 96031O (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2187070

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Glasses, Finite element methods, X-ray optics, Mirrors, Coating, X-rays, Data modeling, Sputter deposition, Smart materials

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Proceedings Article | 4 September 2015 Paper

Stress manipulated coating for figure reshape of light weight X-ray telescope mirrors

Youwei Yao, Xiaoli Wang, Jian Cao, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman, Shannon Grogans, Yifang Cao, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 9603, 96031J (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2186146

KEYWORDS: Coating, Mirrors, Aluminum, X-ray telescopes, Glasses, X-ray optics, Sputter deposition, X-rays, Chromium, Annealing

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Proceedings Article | 17 September 2014 Paper

Toward large-area sub-arcsecond x-ray telescopes

Stephen O'Dell, Thomas Aldcroft, Ryan Allured, Carolyn Atkins, David Burrows, Jian Cao, Brandon Chalifoux, Kai-Wing Chan, Vincenzo Cotroneo, Ronald Elsner, Michael Graham, Mikhail Gubarev, Ralf Heilmann, Raegan Johnson-Wilke, Kiranmayee Kilaru, Jeffery Kolodziejczak, Charles Lillie, Stuart McMuldroch, Brian Ramsey, Paul Reid, Raul Riveros, Jacqueline Roche, Timo Saha, Mark Schattenburg, Daniel Schwartz, Susan Trolier-McKinstry, Melville Ulmer, Semyon Vaynman, Alexey Vikhlinin, Xiaoli Wang, Martin Weisskopf, Rudeger H. Wilke, William Zhang

Proceedings Volume 9208, 920805 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061882

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, X-rays, Ions, X-ray telescopes, Space telescopes, Telescopes, X-ray optics, Neodymium, X-ray astronomy, Silicon

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Proceedings Article | 5 September 2014 Paper

Comparisons of the deflections of magnetically smart films on alloy of NiCo and glass substrates

Melville Ulmer, Xiaoli Wang, Peter Knapp, Jian Cao, Yifang Cao, Tyler Karian, Shannon Grogans, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman, Youwei Yao

Proceedings Volume 9208, 920808 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2062008

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Glasses, X-ray optics, Mirrors, Sputter deposition, X-ray astronomy, X-ray telescopes, Statistical analysis, Smart materials, Magnetostrictive materials

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Proceedings Article | 26 September 2013 Paper

Update to an application using magnetic smart materials to modify the shape of an x-ray telescope mirror

Melville Ulmer, Xiaoli Wang, Jian Cao, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman

Proceedings Volume 8861, 88611R (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024217

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Glasses, Mirrors, Nickel, Statistical analysis, Smart materials, X-ray optics, X-rays, Magnetostrictive materials, Finite element methods

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Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

Progress report on using magneto-strictive sputtered thin films to modify the shape of a x-ray telescope mirror

Melville Ulmer, Xiaoli Wang, Jian Cao, Julia Savoie, Bridget Bellavia, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman

Proceedings Volume 8503, 85030C (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.928454

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Nickel, Glasses, Mirrors, X-ray optics, X-ray astronomy, Thin films, X-rays, X-ray telescopes, Astronomical imaging

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Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

Comparing theory with experimental data in studying the deformation of magnetically smart films deposited on nickel and glass substrates

Xiaoli Wang, Jian Cao, M. Ulmer, M. Graham, S. Vaynman, J. Savoie, B. Bellavia

Proceedings Volume 8503, 85030D (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.929350

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Nickel, Glasses, Mirrors, Thin films, Finite element methods, X-ray telescopes, Magnetostrictive materials, Coating, Sputter deposition

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Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

Toward active x-ray telescopes II

Stephen O'Dell, Thomas Aldcroft, Carolyn Atkins, Timothy Button, Vincenzo Cotroneo, William Davis, Peter Doel, Charlotte Feldman, Mark Freeman, Mikhail Gubarev, Raegan Johnson-Wilke, Jeffery Kolodziejczak, Charles Lillie, Alan Michette, Brian Ramsey, Paul Reid, Daniel Rodriguez Sanmartin, Timo Saha, Daniel Schwartz, Susan Trolier-McKinstry, Melville Ulmer, Rudeger H. Wilke, Richard Willingale, William Zhang

Proceedings Volume 8503, 850307 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.930090

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, X-ray telescopes, X-rays, X-ray optics, Actuators, Observatories, Spatial resolution, Magnetism, Active optics, X-ray imaging

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Proceedings Article | 10 October 2012 Paper

Temperature dependence of the dark current and activation energy at avalanche onset of a GaN avalanche photodiodes

M. Ulmer, E. Cicek, R. McClintock, Z. Vashaei, M. Razeghi

Proceedings Volume 8460, 84601G (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.929138

KEYWORDS: Gallium nitride, Avalanche photodetectors, Single photon, Avalanche photodiodes, Sensors, Ultraviolet radiation, Quantum efficiency, Ultraviolet astronomy, Photons, Cameras

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Proceedings Article | 25 September 2012 Paper

Temperature dependence of the dark current and activation energy at avalanche onset of GaN avalanche photodiodes

M. Ulmer, E. Cicek, R. McClintock, Z. Vashaei, M. Razeghi

Proceedings Volume 8453, 84531G (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.924173

KEYWORDS: Gallium nitride, Avalanche photodetectors, Avalanche photodiodes, Single photon, Ultraviolet astronomy, Ultraviolet radiation, Quantum efficiency, Temperature metrology, Sensors, Astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 17 September 2012 Paper

Progress report on using magneto-strictive sputtered thin films to modify the shape of a x-ray telescope mirror

Melville Ulmer, Xiaoli Wang, Jian Cao, Julia Savoie, Bridget Bellavia, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman

Proceedings Volume 8443, 84433N (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.924151

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Mirrors, X-ray optics, Nickel, Thin films, X-ray astronomy, Glasses, Sputter deposition, Smart materials, Spatial resolution

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Proceedings Article | 4 May 2011 Paper

Deformable mirrors for x-ray astronomy and beyond

M. Ulmer, M. Graham, S. Vaynman, J. Cao, P. Takacs

Proceedings Volume 8076, 807605 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.890756

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Mirrors, X-ray optics, Glasses, X-ray astronomy, Astronomical imaging, Nickel, Smart materials, Magnetostrictive materials, Active optics

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Proceedings Article | 24 January 2011 Paper

Advances in UV sensitive visible blind GaN-based APDs

Melville Ulmer, Ryan McClintock, Manijeh Razeghi

Proceedings Volume 7945, 79451G (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.879942

KEYWORDS: Avalanche photodetectors, Gallium nitride, Ionization, Electrons, Single photon, Ultraviolet radiation, Sapphire, Quantum efficiency, Visible radiation, Manganese

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Proceedings Article | 25 August 2010 Paper

Magnetic smart material application to adaptive x-ray optics

M. Ulmer, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman, J. Cao, Peter Takacs

Proceedings Volume 7803, 780309 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.860054

KEYWORDS: Magnetism, Mirrors, X-ray optics, Glasses, Smart materials, Adaptive optics, Nickel, Sputter deposition, Astronomical imaging, Crystals

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Proceedings Article | 23 January 2010 Paper

Radiation damage effects on detectors from the IR to x rays

M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 7608, 76081F (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.837780

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Charge-coupled devices, Radiation effects, Cameras, X-rays, Infrared detectors, CCD cameras, Infrared sensors, Infrared radiation, Chemical species

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Proceedings Article | 26 January 2009 Paper

A review of UV detectors for astrophysics: past, present, and future

M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 7222, 722210 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.810039

KEYWORDS: Ultraviolet radiation, Quantum efficiency, Gallium nitride, Sensors, Cameras, Space telescopes, Planets, Metals, Mirrors, Ultraviolet detectors

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Proceedings Article | 26 January 2009 Paper

III-nitride avalanche photodiodes

Ryan McClintock, Jose Pau, Can Bayram, Bruno Fain, Paul Giedraitis, Manijeh Razeghi, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 7222, 72220U (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.809704

KEYWORDS: Avalanche photodetectors, Gallium nitride, Absorption, Photons, Doping, Magnesium, Back illuminated sensors, Avalanche photodiodes, Ultraviolet radiation, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 17 September 2007 Paper

Mirrors from light-weight sintered microspheres combined with replication techniques

M. Ulmer, S. Vaynman, M. Graham, A. Davis, S. Ehelert, D. Baker, T. Kaye

Proceedings Volume 6666, 66660U (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.738292

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Surface finishing, Fabrication, X-ray optics, Beryllium, Composites, Polishing, Astronomy, Interferometers, Prototyping

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Proceedings Article | 13 September 2007 Paper

Advances in APDs for UV astronomy

Melville Ulmer, Ryan McClintock, Jose Pau, Manijeh Razeghi

Proceedings Volume 6686, 668605 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.739919

KEYWORDS: Avalanche photodetectors, Quantum efficiency, Ultraviolet radiation, Gallium nitride, Sensors, Ultraviolet astronomy, Aluminum, Galactic astronomy, Cameras, Signal to noise ratio

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Proceedings Article | 2 October 2006 Paper

Design and development of high quantum efficiency large area UV focal plane arrays for photon counting applications

E. Egerton, Ashok Sood, Robert Bell, Yash Puri, Jacob Roginsky, Melville Ulmer, Bruce Wessels, Timothy Cook

Proceedings Volume 6389, 63890R (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.692774

KEYWORDS: Silicon, Gallium nitride, Ultraviolet radiation, Etching, Staring arrays, Microchannel plates, Photon counting, Sensors, Quantum efficiency, Ions

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Proceedings Article | 22 April 2006 Paper

Future UV detectors for space applications

M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 6189, 61890W (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.668238

KEYWORDS: Ultraviolet radiation, Gallium nitride, Sensors, Cameras, Galactic astronomy, Magnesium, Charge-coupled devices, Space telescopes, Mirrors, Quantum efficiency

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Proceedings Article | 31 August 2005 Paper

Performance characterization of a shape memory composite mirror

Steven Varlese, Melville Ulmer, Jason Hermiller, Kris Young, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman, Bruce Snyder

Proceedings Volume 5899, 58990Y (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617929

KEYWORDS: Composites, Nickel, Reflectors, Mirrors, Optics manufacturing, Etching, Thermal modeling, Carbon, Ocean optics, Spherical lenses

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Proceedings Article | 18 August 2005 Paper

Adhesion of thin metallic surfaces to molded deployable space optics

M. Ulmer, M. Graham, S. Vaynman, J. Echt, S. Ehlert, S. Varlese, J. Hermiller

Proceedings Volume 5868, 58680N (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.615699

KEYWORDS: Nickel, Mirrors, Etching, Plasma etching, Composites, Plasma, Astronomical imaging, Ocean optics, Ions, Sputter deposition

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Proceedings Article | 18 August 2005 Paper

InGaN: characterization and first photo-cathode results

M. Ulmer, B. Han, Bruce Wessels, O. Siegmund, A. Tremsin

Proceedings Volume 5898, 58980G (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.615701

KEYWORDS: Magnesium, Indium gallium nitride, Near field scanning optical microscopy, Gallium nitride, Absorption, Quantum efficiency, Gallium, Luminescence, Indium, Near field optics

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Proceedings Article | 18 August 2005 Paper

Progress on development of UV photocathodes for photon-counting applications at NASA GSFC

J. Stock, G. Hilton, T. Norton, B. Woodgate, S. Aslam, M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 5898, 58980F (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617517

KEYWORDS: Quantum efficiency, Gallium nitride, Cesium, Calibration, Ultraviolet radiation, Sensors, Opacity, Tellurium, Microchannel plates, Diodes

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Proceedings Article | 26 October 2004 Paper

Laminated electroformed shape memory composite for deployable lightweight optics

Steven Varlese, Melville Ulmer, Lisa Hardaway, Matthew Everhart, Semyon Vaynman, Gary Emerson, Michael Graham, Jonathan Echt, Matvey Farber, Stephen Vining

Proceedings Volume 5542, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.561485

KEYWORDS: Composites, Mirrors, Nickel, Reflectors, Composite resins, Carbon, Surface finishing, Aerospace engineering, Interfaces, Optics manufacturing

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Proceedings Article | 18 October 2004 Paper

Advances in the use of plasma spraying for the fabrication of lightweight x-ray optics

Melville Ulmer, Michael Graham, Semyon Vaynman, Matvey Farber, Jonathan Echt, Steve Varlese, Gary Emerson, Dean Baker

Proceedings Volume 5533, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.560421

KEYWORDS: Nickel, Plasma, X-ray optics, Mirrors, Ceramics, Particles, Coating, X-rays, Aerospace engineering, Epoxies

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Proceedings Article | 7 July 2004 Paper

Replication as an alternative approach for large segmented telescopes

Melville Ulmer, Michael Graham, Semyon Vanyman, Steven Varlese, Dean Baker

Proceedings Volume 5382, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566322

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Composites, Telescopes, Adaptive optics, Actuators, Space telescopes, Polishing, Nickel, Optical instrument design, X-ray optics

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Proceedings Article | 7 July 2004 Paper

Large telescope project dedicated to an origins survey

Melville Ulmer, Edward Kibblewhite, Terry Herter, Laird Thompson, Riccardo Giovanelli, Doyal Harper, Richard Kron, Joe Mohr, Gordon Stacey, J. Tumlinson, Donald York

Proceedings Volume 5382, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566205

KEYWORDS: Galactic astronomy, Telescopes, Stars, Sensors, Mirrors, Adaptive optics, Optical instrument design, Large telescopes, Space telescopes, Spatial resolution

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Proceedings Article | 4 February 2004 Paper

Deformable x-ray optics for solar physics

Melville Ulmer, Robert Stern, Lawrence Shing, Matvey Farber, Mark Smith

Proceedings Volume 5171, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.507218

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, X-rays, Actuators, Solar processes, X-ray optics, Data modeling, CCD cameras, X-ray imaging, Cameras, X-ray sources

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Proceedings Article | 12 December 2003 Paper

Elastic memory composite technology for thin lightweight space- and ground-based deployable mirrors

Steven Arzberger, Naseem Munshi, Mark Lake, Joe Wintergerst, Steve Varlese, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 5179, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.507157

KEYWORDS: Composites, Mirrors, Optical fibers, Metals, Reflectivity, Glasses, Reflectors, Nickel, Optical fabrication, Packaging

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Proceedings Article | 8 December 2003 Paper

Advances in wide-bandgap semiconductor based photocathode devices for low light level applications

Melville Ulmer, Bruce Wessels, Bing Han, Joel Gregie, Anton Tremsin, Oswald Siegmund

Proceedings Volume 5164, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.507993

KEYWORDS: Quantum efficiency, Gallium nitride, Absorption, Opacity, Diffusion, Sapphire, Electroluminescence, Data modeling, Polishing, Semiconductors

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Proceedings Article | 8 December 2003 Paper

GaN photocathodes for UV detection and imaging

Oswald Siegmund, Anton Tremsin, Adrian Martin, James Malloy, Melville Ulmer, Bruce Wessels

Proceedings Volume 5164, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.510429

KEYWORDS: Gallium nitride, Quantum efficiency, Opacity, Sapphire, Cesium, Ultraviolet radiation, Ultraviolet detectors, Aluminum nitride, Aluminum, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 24 February 2003 Paper

Advances in wide-bandgap-semiconductor-based photocathode devices for low-light-level applications

Melville Ulmer, Bruce Wessels, Oswald Siegmund

Proceedings Volume 4854, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.459765

KEYWORDS: Gallium nitride, Silicon, Imaging systems, Microchannel plates, Quantum efficiency, Electrons, Superlattices, Ultraviolet radiation, Astronomy, Diamond

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Proceedings Article | 4 February 2003 Paper

Replication as an alternative approach for large segmented telescopes

Melville Ulmer, Robert Altkorn, Edward Kibblewhite, Steve Varlese

Proceedings Volume 4837, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.456663

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Adaptive optics, Telescopes, Space telescopes, Composites, Actuators, Optical instrument design, Spherical lenses, Polishing, Astronomical telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 21 May 2002 Paper

Advances in wide-bandgap semiconductor-based photocathode devices for low-light-level applications

Melville Ulmer, Bruce Wessels, Oswald Siegmund

Proceedings Volume 4650, (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.467651

KEYWORDS: Microchannel plates, Gallium nitride, Silicon, Quantum efficiency, Imaging systems, Ultraviolet radiation, Diamond, Electrons, Superlattices, Astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 30 January 2002 Paper

Production and performance of multilayer coated conic sections

Melville Ulmer, Robert Altkron, Michael Graham, Anita Madan, Yong Chu

Proceedings Volume 4496, (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.454365

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Reflectivity, X-rays, Multilayers, Coating, Hard x-rays, Data modeling, Sensors, Astronomy, Magnetism

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Proceedings Article | 12 June 2001 Paper

Progress in the fabrication of GaN photocathodes

Melville Ulmer, Bruce Wessels, Fatemeh Shahedipour, Roman Korotokov, Charles Joseph, Tokuaki Nihashi

Proceedings Volume 4288, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.429433

KEYWORDS: Gallium nitride, Magnesium, Quantum efficiency, Ultraviolet radiation, Astronomy, Silicon, Platinum, Sensors, Diamond, Ultraviolet astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 28 November 2000 Paper

Toward a hard x-ray telescope for solar flares

Allen Krieger, Daniel Parsignault, Robert Altkorn, Melville Ulmer, Jack Bradshaw

Proceedings Volume 4138, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.407549

KEYWORDS: Multilayers, Hard x-rays, Mirrors, X-ray telescopes, Coating, Solar processes, Reflectivity, Spatial resolution, Sensors, X-rays

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Proceedings Article | 18 July 2000 Paper

Description of the FAR-XITE (Fine Angular Resolution X-ray Imaging TelescopE, "far-sight") optics and science objectives: an update

Melville Ulmer, Richard Rothschild, Robert Altkorn, Duane Gruber, William Heindl, Paul Hink, Kimberly Slavis, Allen Krieger, James Matteson, James Wilson, Anita Madan, Michael Graham, Derrick Mancini, Yong Chu, Ruediger Staubert

Proceedings Volume 4012, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.391603

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Sensors, Multilayers, X-rays, Spatial resolution, Hard x-rays, Reflectivity, X-ray telescopes, Galactic astronomy, Ions

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Proceedings Article | 16 November 1999 Paper

Fabrication of Wolter I multilayer coated optics via electroforming: an update

Melville Ulmer, Robert Altkorn, Anita Madan, Michael Graham, Yip-Wah Chung, Allen Krieger, Chian Liu, Barry Lai, Derrick Mancini, Peter Takacs

Proceedings Volume 3773, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.370081

KEYWORDS: Multilayers, Mirrors, X-rays, Nickel, Reflectivity, Copper, Liquids, Nitrogen, Sputter deposition, Thin film coatings

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Proceedings Article | 22 October 1999 Paper

Actively shielded CZT focal plane detectors for the Fine Angular Resolution X-ray Imaging Telescope (FAR_XITE)

Richard Rothschild, Duane Gruber, William Heindl, James Matteson, Melville Ulmer, Robert Altkorn, Steven Matz, Paul Hink, Allen Krieger, Ruediger Staubert, Tumay Tumer

Proceedings Volume 3765, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.366561

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Mirrors, Hard x-rays, X-rays, Spatial resolution, Space telescopes, X-ray telescopes, Calibration, Information operations, Telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 22 October 1999 Paper

Novel design for an all-sky low-energy gamma-ray observatory (ALLEGRO)

Melville Ulmer, David Dixon, Geoffrey Pendleton, William Wheaton, Steven Matz, John Finley, William Purcell, Rich Nyquist, John Jonaitis

Proceedings Volume 3765, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.366532

KEYWORDS: Collimators, Gamma radiation, Sensors, X-rays, Modulation, Spherical lenses, Galactic astronomy, Physics, Optical spheres, Spatial resolution

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Proceedings Article | 22 October 1999 Paper

Technology development for the Constellation-X hard-x-ray telescope

Fiona Harrison, Walter Cook, Finn Christensen, Oberto Citterio, William Craig, Neil Gehrels, Paul Gorenstein, Jonathan Grindlay, Charles Hailey, Richard Kroeger, Hideyo Kunieda, Giovanni Pareschi, Ann Parsons, Robert Petre, Suzanne Romaine, Brian Ramsey, Jack Tueller, Melville Ulmer, Martin Weisskopf, David Windt

Proceedings Volume 3765, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.366492

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Mirrors, Hard x-rays, Reflectivity, Glasses, Nickel, X-ray optics, X-ray telescopes, Multilayers, X-rays

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Proceedings Article | 29 September 1999 Paper

Description of the FAR_XITE (fine-angular-resolution x-ray imaging telescope, "far-sight") optics and science objectives

Melville Ulmer, Richard Rothschild, Robert Altkorn, Duane Gruber, William Heindl, Paul Hink, Allen Krieger, James Matteson, Steven Matz, Ruediger Staubert

Proceedings Volume 3766, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.363638

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Hard x-rays, X-rays, Spatial resolution, Sensors, Multilayers, Galactic astronomy, Stars, Reflectivity, X-ray telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 1 November 1997 Paper

Supermirror fabrication via electroforming

Melville Ulmer, Robert Altkorn, Allen Krieger, Daniel Parsignault, Yip-Wah Chung, M. Wong, Barry Lai, Derrick Mancini, Peter Takacs, Eugene Church

Proceedings Volume 3152, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.295562

KEYWORDS: Multilayers, X-rays, Mirrors, Atomic force microscopy, Gold, Nickel, Reflectivity, Sapphire, Radium, X-ray optics

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Proceedings Article | 11 July 1997 Paper

Grazing incidence and multilayer x-ray optical systems

Melville Ulmer, Robert Altkorn, Allen Krieger, Daniel Parsignault, Yip-Wah Chung

Proceedings Volume 3113, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278856

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Multilayers, Coating, X-ray optics, Carbon, X-rays, Nitrogen, Reflectivity, Nickel, Grazing incidence

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Proceedings Article | 15 April 1997 Paper

Requirements and design considerations of UV and x-ray detectors for astronomical purposes

Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 2999, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.271195

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Ultraviolet radiation, X-ray detectors, Wide bandgap semiconductors, Astronomy, X-rays, Charge-coupled devices, Image resolution, Solar energy, Optical filters

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Proceedings Article | 18 October 1996 Paper

High-rate telemetry as a novel approach to opening new vistas of high-energy space astrophysics

David Grabelsky, Steven Matz, William Purcell, Melville Ulmer, John Finley, Robert Wilson, Geoffrey Pendleton, James Cordes

Proceedings Volume 2806, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.254011

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Gamma radiation, Astrophysics, X-rays, Physics, Hard x-rays, High energy astrophysics, Space operations, Stars, Data storage

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Proceedings Article | 5 July 1996 Paper

Studies of static and dynamic properties of multilayered (stacked) Josephson junctions

Shenian Song, Stevan Maglic, Christopher Thomas, Edward Rippert, P. Auvil, Melville Ulmer, John Ketterson

Proceedings Volume 2697, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.250263

KEYWORDS: Microwave radiation, Magnetism, Niobium, Phase velocity, Multilayers, Far-field diffraction, Superconductors, Electrodes, Physics, Seaborgium

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Proceedings Article | 12 April 1996 Paper

GaN, GaAlN, and AlN for use in UV detectors for astrophysics: an update

Patrick Kung, Adam Saxler, Xiaolong Zhang, Danielle Walker, Manijeh Razeghi, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 2685, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.237696

KEYWORDS: Ultraviolet radiation, Gallium nitride, Galactic astronomy, Astronomy, Ultraviolet detectors, Sensors, Imaging spectroscopy, Astrophysics, Ultraviolet astronomy, Spectroscopy

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Proceedings Article | 20 June 1995 Paper

Concept for an orbiting wide-field x-ray imaging spectrometer (WFXIS)

Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 2515, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.212597

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Spatial resolution, Sensors, Signal to noise ratio, Galactic astronomy, X-ray imaging, Mirrors, Superconductors, Spectroscopy, Image resolution

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We present a concept study for a mission to provide wide field x-ray imaging spectroscopy. Many astrophysical studies in the x ray regime demand both high energy resolution (approximately 5 eV) as well as high angular resolution (approximately 10'). Examples of such studies are: clusters of galaxies, from those with sub-clumps to those at the edge of the universe (minimum radii approximately 15'); individual galaxies (nearby ones are easily resolvable on the 10' scale); deep sky surveys for clusters and QSO/AGN, which necessitate optimal sky coverage with the avoidance of source confusion for long exposures (approximately 2 multiplied by 10⁵ sec); supernova remnants (SNRs) in galaxies such as the LMC, SMC and Andromeda; knots in galactic SNRs such as Cas-A; and fine structure in the interstellar medium (ISM). Other studies that require a wide FOV and high energy resolution are studies of the large scale structure of the ISM, nearby clusters of galaxies, and large SNRs, such as the Cygnus loop and the Vela/Puppis region. The instrument concept we propose, the Wide Field X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (WFXIS), will combine the critical characteristics of wide-field, high-resolution x-ray imaging with high energy resolution, and thus provide unique capabilities not available on any single current or planned mission in which NASA is participating. Our preliminary design consists of ROSAT-sized zerodur mirrors with a Ritchey-Chretien figure; approximately 2.5 meter foal length; and a single focal plane detector made up of a 500 multiplied by 500 pixel array of either microcalorimeters or superconducting tunnel junctions. The energy range covered by this system will be approximately 0.1 - 2.5 keV. The main points of this work are: the science is outstanding; the technology for mirror production and design is in hand; and detector technology has reached the stage that it makes sense to begin planning for the ability to make 500 multiplied by 500 pixel arrays with a factor of 10 improvement in energy resolution over available CCDs.

Proceedings Article | 20 June 1995 Paper

Concept for an all-sky low-energy gamma-ray observatory (ALLEGRO)

Melville Ulmer, William Purcell, Steven Matz, John Finley, James Cordes, Robert Wilson

Proceedings Volume 2515, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.212621

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Gamma radiation, Hard x-rays, Satellites, Space operations, X-rays, Observatories, Data storage, Stars, X-ray sources

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Proceedings Article | 24 April 1995 Paper

Ultraviolet detectors for astrophysics: present and future

Melville Ulmer, Manijeh Razeghi, Erwan Bigan

Proceedings Volume 2397, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.206870

KEYWORDS: Ultraviolet radiation, Sensors, Charge-coupled devices, Ultraviolet astronomy, Astronomy, Ultraviolet detectors, Galactic astronomy, Imaging spectroscopy, Visible radiation, Microchannel plates

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Proceedings Article | 11 November 1994 Paper

High-resolution x-ray spectroscopy with a rocket-borne cosmic x-ray microcalorimeter spectrograph

Arthur Walker, Aharon Kapitulnik, Richard Hoover, Lawrence Lesyna, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 2279, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.193129

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Spectrographs, Mirrors, Spectroscopy, Rockets, Silicon, Hydrogen, Iron, X-ray astronomy, Clouds

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Proceedings Article | 29 June 1994 Paper

Applications for superconductor-insulator multilayers

John Ketterson, Edward Rippert, Shenian Song, Susanne Lomatch, Stevan Maglic, H. Wang, D. Morgan, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 2157, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179160

KEYWORDS: Phonons, Sensors, Superlattices, Quasiparticles, Superconductors, Multilayers, Niobium, X-ray detectors, Sputter deposition, Transmission electron microscopy

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Proceedings Article | 29 June 1994 Paper

High-energy-resolution x-ray detection using multilayered superconducting tunnel junctions

Edward Rippert, Shenian Song, Stevan Maglic, Susanne Lomatch, Jennifer Wang, Jun Chen, Christopher Thomas, John Ketterson, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 2157, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179163

KEYWORDS: Quasiparticles, Sensors, Superconductors, Niobium, Multilayers, Phonons, Aluminum, Reflectivity, X-ray detectors, Superlattices

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Proceedings Article | 1 February 1994 Paper

Production of ultrasmooth electroform-replica mirrors for multilayer optics

Melville Ulmer, Robert Altkorn, Rudy Haidle, David Madsen

Proceedings Volume 2011, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.167243

KEYWORDS: Multilayers, Coating, Sapphire, Nickel, Mirrors, Glasses, Ceramics, X-rays, Reflectivity, Surface roughness

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Proceedings Article | 8 October 1992 Paper

Role of engineered materials in superconducting tunnel-junction x-ray detectors: suppression of quasi-particle recombination losses via a phononic bandgap

Edward Rippert, John Ketterson, Jun Chen, Shenian Song, Susanne Lomatch, Stevan Maglic, Christopher Thomas, M. Cheida, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 1743, (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.130663

KEYWORDS: Phonons, Quasiparticles, Superconductors, Superlattices, Sensors, Reflectivity, X-ray astronomy, Mirrors, Interfaces, Wave plates

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Proceedings Article | 2 September 1992 Paper

Electroform replication of ultrasmooth mirrors for x-ray astronomy

Robert Altkorn, Rudy Haidle, Jon Chang, Melville Ulmer, Gregory Dace, Peter Teague, D. Upham, Peter Takacs, Brian Rodricks, P. Georgopoulos, N. Viles, K. Butler, M. DeBooth, D. Wiewel

Proceedings Volume 1779, (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140943

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Polishing, Nickel, Plating, Gold, Surface finishing, Sapphire, Coating, Ceramics, Silicon carbide

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Proceedings Article | 1 January 1992 Paper

Fabrication and characterization of replicated and lacquer-coated grazing incidence optics for x-ray astronomy

Melville Ulmer, Rudy Haidle, Robert Altkorn, P. Georgopoulos, Brian Rodricks, Peter Takacs

Proceedings Volume 1546, (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.51226

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, X-rays, X-ray optics, Gold, Grazing incidence, Optical testing, Coating, Nickel, Optical fabrication, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 1 October 1991 Paper

Multilayered superconducting tunnel junctions for use as high-energy-resolution x-ray detectors

Edward Rippert, Shenian Song, John Ketterson, Melville Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 1549, (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.48346

KEYWORDS: Quasiparticles, Superconductors, Sensors, Phonons, Multilayers, Opacity, X-ray detectors, Semiconductors, Resistance, X-ray astronomy

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X-ray detectors based on superconducting tunnel junction technology are desirable due to their potential for higher energy resolution and greater charge carrier production than conventional semiconductor devices. Single junction devices fabricated by thermal or plasma oxidation of elemental, soft metal, superconductors have shown some promise, but tend to suffer from poor opacity, performance degradation upon thermal recycling, and unequal total charge collected for absorption of x rays in different layers due to differing tunneling characteristics of each layer. More complex designs, such as quasi-particle trapping systems and all refractory materials, can help with the unequal charge and thermal cycling problems, respectively. However, new problems in complexity of fabrication and short quasi-particle lifetimes arise. Other potential difficulties include resolution degradation due to trapping of quasi-particles at the photoabsorption site or near defects and tolerance of the devices to faults induced by their environment. The use of multilayers of superconducting tunnel junctions, consisting of tens to hundreds of identical tunnel junctions stacked on top of one another, as a design can address these problems. The multilayer can, in principle, be made as thick as desired in order to increase opacity, while the individual superconducting layers can be made very thin in order that the tunneling time of the quasi-particles be short compared with the quasi-particle lifetime for even refractory superconductors. In addition, the layer thinness helps to alleviate undesirable quasi-particle trapping. The inherent redundancy of junctions in a multilayered device allows for continued operation even after multiple single layer failures. The unique physical and technological possibilities of multilayered devices, such as resonant tunneling and built in preamplification, make them structures worthy of study even without the more pragmatic inducements described above.