A tower concept for the Off-Plane X-ray Grating Spectrometer for the International X-ray Observatory

Suzanne Casement, Randall L. McEntaffer, Webster Cash, Tim Johnson, Charles Lillie, Dean Dailey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

An Off-Plane X-ray Grating Spectrometer (OP-XGS) concept is being developed to meet the needs of the International X-ray Observatory (IXO). The OP-XGS will provide the required spectral resolution of R >3000 over the 0.3 - 1 keV band with >1000 cm2 effective collecting area, using experience gained with the current generation of reflection gratings already flown on rocket experiments. We have developed several potential configurations that meet or exceed these requirements. This paper will focus on the mechanical design and requirements for one of these configurations, the "tower" concept. This configuration mounts the grating modules to the instrument platform via a tower, allowing direct alignment with the camera module. This reduces the complexity of the alignment problem while also minimizing the overall mass of the XGS. We have developed an initial interface concept and resource requirements for this option to be reviewed by the mission teams for design drivers. We contrast the resource requirements for this concept with those required for other concepts which have been reviewed by the OP-XGS team. Further, we have identified those portions of the tower design concept that will require potential technology demonstration to reach TRL 6 prior to the Preliminary Design Review.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010
Subtitle of host publicationUltraviolet to Gamma Ray
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 28 2010Jul 2 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7732
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period6/28/107/2/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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