Advanced fabrication technologies for ultraprecise replicated mirrors for x-ray telescopes

Abstract

For many years, Wolter mirrors have been used as imaging elements in X-ray telescopes. The shape error of Wolter mirrors fabricated by replicating the shape of a mandrel originates from the replication error in electroforming. We have been developing an X-ray focusing mirror for synchrotron radiation X-rays, as well as a high-precision electroforming process. In this paper, we report on the application of the advanced electroforming process to the fabrication of Wolter mirrors for the FOXSI Sun observation project. We also discuss the figuring accuracy of the mandrel.