High energy, high resolution X-ray opticsThe scientific goals of X-ray astronomy are considered to evaluate the relative advantages of using classical Wolter-1 optics or using a different approach. The portion of the X-ray band over 10 keV is unexploited in the present X-ray optics technology, and focussing in this portion of the band is crucial because nonfocussed experiments are background limited. The basic design of 'hard' X-ray optics is described theoretically emphasizing the very small angles of incidence in the grazing-incidence optics. Optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio is found to occur at a finite angular resolution. In real applications, the effective area reduced by the efficiency of the two reflections is 80 percent at energies up to 40 keV, and the quality of the reflecting surface can be monitored to minimize scattering. Focussing optics are found to offer improvements in signal-to-noise as well as more effective scientific return because microelectronic focal-plane technology is employed.
Document ID
19910063369
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Weisskopf, Martin C. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Joy, Marshall (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Kahn, Steven (California, University Berkeley, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Optics
Meeting Information
Meeting: High-energy astrophysics in the 21st century