Development of a direct fabrication technique for full-shell x-ray optics

Abstract

Future astrophysical missions will require fabrication technology capable of producing high angular resolution x-ray optics. A full-shell direct fabrication approach using modern robotic polishing machines has the potential for producing high resolution, light-weight and affordable x-ray mirrors that can be nested to produce large collecting area. This approach to mirror fabrication, based on the use of the metal substrates coated with nickel phosphorous alloy, is being pursued at MSFC. The design of the polishing fixtures for the direct fabrication, the surface figure metrology techniques used and the results of the polishing experiments are presented.

The Lynx X-ray Observatory: concept study overview and status

“…Multiple candidate technologies for the Lynx mirrors exist, three of which are being studied in detail by the Lynx Team. These optics technologies are Full-Shell Optics developed by Brera and Marshall Spaceflight Center (MSFC) 8,9 , Silicon Meta-shell Optics developed by Goddard Spaceflight Center (GSFC) 10 , and Adjustable Segmented Optics developed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) 11 .…”

Advanced techniques for robotic polishing of aluminum mirrors

“…The use of aluminum permits direct single-point diamond turning of aspheres and free-forms (using tool-servoing). This side-steps the issues of significant sub-surface damage from hardgrinding of equivalent glass and ceramic substrates, with less time being needed to remove damage that does exist [4,5]. Typically, 5 nm Sa surface roughness of a diamond turned aluminum surface can be achieved, albeit with periodic diamond-turning features -well matched to infrared applications and many more-tolerant commercial applications at shorter wavelengths.…”