Lightweight and high angular resolution x-ray optics for astronomy
Abstract
Astronomical observation in the x-ray band (wavelength from ~100 - 0.1 Angstroms) must take place above the atmosphere on a space platform. The most effective means of collecting x-ray photons is with imaging optics. As such lightweight and high angular resolution optics are essential for continued success of x-ray astronomy in coming years and decades. In this paper, I will briefly review the development of x-ray optics for astronomy in the past few decades and outline the technical approaches that we have adopted at the Goddard Space Flight Center for developing lightweight and high resolution x-ray optics to enable small and medium missions that can be implemented in the current decade as well flagship missions that can be implemented in the 2020's.
- Publication:
-
EUV and X-Ray Optics: Synergy between Laboratory and Space II
- Pub Date:
- May 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.890690
- Bibcode:
- 2011SPIE.8076E..02Z