Optics for Athena
Abstract
The ATHENA mision will be based on a single X-ray telescope, with a focal length of 12m and an unprecedented effective area (2 m(2) at 1 keV), achieved by means of a single large diameter optics system that will host a very high number (up to 800) of mirror modules, each formed by 40 two-reflection segmented mirror shells.The inner and outer radiaii will be 250 mm and1500 mmrespectively.The requirement of the angular resolution is 5 arc seconds HEW, kept at the same level across a very wide field of view of 40-50 arcmin diameters. The X-ray telescope employs Silicon Pore Optics (SPO), an innovative technology that has been pioneered in Europe over the last decade mostly with ESA support. SPO is a highly modular concept, based on a set of compact individual mirror modules, which has an excellent effective area-to-mass ratio and can achieve high angular resolution. An alternative technology also ebvisage forsees the use of thin slumped glass mirrors. In this paper we will review the design, technology and develoment plan to address the ATHENA optics implementation.
- Publication:
-
40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014cosp...40E2443P