Science requirements and optimization of the silicon pore optics design for the Athena mirror
Abstract
The science requirements for the Athena X-ray mirror are to provide a collecting area of 2 m2 at 1 keV, an angular resolution of ~5 arc seconds half energy eidth (HEW) and a field of view of diameter 40-50 arc minutes. This combination of area and angular resolution over a wide field are possible because of unique features of the Silicon pore optics (SPO) technology used. Here we describe the optimization and modifications of the SPO technology required to achieve the Athena mirror specification and demonstrate how the optical design of the mirror system impacts on the scientific performance of Athena.
- Publication:
-
Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2014: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray
- Pub Date:
- July 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.2055183
- Bibcode:
- 2014SPIE.9144E..2EW