Abstract

Here we describe the recent status of Czech participation in the IXO (International X-ray Observatory) space mission, with emphasis on the development of new technologies and test samples of X-ray mirrors with precise surfaces, based on new materials, and their applications in space. In addition, alternative X-ray optical arrangements are investigated, such as Kirkpatrick-Baez systems.

Highlights

  • The design and development of X-ray optics has a long tradition in the Czech Republic (e.g. Hudec et al, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2001, Inneman et al 1999, 2000)

  • Future large space X-ray telescopes require precise, light-weight X-ray optics based on numerous thin reflecting shells

  • We refer to Czech efforts in connection with International X-ray Observatory (IXO) ( Athena), focusing on the results of test X-ray mirror shells produced by glass thermal forming (GTF) and by shaping Si wafers

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Summary

Introduction

The design and development of X-ray optics has a long tradition in the Czech Republic (e.g. Hudec et al, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2001, Inneman et al 1999, 2000). We refer to Czech efforts in connection with IXO ( Athena), focusing on the results of test X-ray mirror shells produced by glass thermal forming (GTF) and by shaping Si wafers. Both glass foils and Si wafers are commercially available, have excellent surface microroughness of a few 0.1 nm, and low weight (the volume density is 2.5 g · cm−3 for glass and 2.3 g · cm−3 for Si). The International X-ray Observatory (IXO) is a new X-ray telescope with joint participation of NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) This project supersedes both NASA’s Constellation-X and ESA’s XEUS mission concepts. As the Athena will use the imaging X-ray Optics to IXO, the developments described in this paper refer to Athena

Czech involvement in IXO-related studies
The glass foil alternative for IXO
The silicon wafer alternative
K-B alternative for IXO
Findings
Conclusion
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