Quest for ultrahigh resolution in X-ray opticsA program of solar X-ray astronomy using grazing incidence optics has culminated in X-ray images of the corona having one arc second spatial resolution. These images have demonstrated that, in general, X-ray optics can be fabricated to their specifications and can provide the level of resolution for which they are designed. Several aspects of these programs relating to the performance of X-ray optics in regard to resolution, including the point response function, the variation of resolution with off-axis position and the recognition that nearly all solar X-ray images have been film limited, are discussed. By extending the experience gained on this and other programs it is clearly possible to design and fabricate X-ray optics with sub arc sec resolution. The performance required to meet the scientific objectives for the remainder of the century are discussed in relation to AXIO, an Advanced X-Ray Imaging Observatory for solar observations which is proposed for flight on the Space Shuttle. Several configurations of AXIO are described, each of which would be a major step in the quest for ultrahigh-resolution observations.
Document ID
19800033310
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Davis, J. M. (American Science and Engineering, Inc. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Krieger, A. S. (American Science and Engineering, Inc. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Silk, J. K. (American Science and Engineering, Inc. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Chase, R. C. (American Science and Engineering, Inc. Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Astronomy
Meeting Information
Meeting: Space optics: Imaging X-ray optics workshop