Development of off-plane gratings for WHIMex and IXO

Randall L. McEntaffer, Webster Cash, Chuck Lillie, Suzanne Casement, Will Zhang, Andrew Holland, Neil Murray, Stephen O'Dell, Mark Schattenburg, Ralf Heilmann, Hiroshi Tsunemi

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

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Future X-ray astronomical missions will need to address a number of important goals such as studying the dynamics of clusters of galaxies, determining how elements are created in the explosions of massive stars, and revealing most of the "normal" matter in the universe which is currently thought to be hidden in hot filaments of gas stretching between galaxies. In order to achieve these goals, spectrometers capable of high resolution and high throughput are necessary for the lowest X-ray energies, 0.3-1.0 keV. We present recent progress in the development of off-plane reflection grating technology for use on upcoming missions. Off-plane grating spectrometers consist of an array of gratings capable of reaching resolutions above 3000 (λ/Δλ). Concept designs have been made for the International X-ray Observatory X-ray Grating Spectrometer. More recently however, we have designed an Optics Module Assembly for WHIMex, an Explorer mission concept that incorporates a Wolter telescope, steering flats, and an array of gratings. This paper will discuss these designs and the application of off-plane arrays for the future.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOptics for EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Astronomy V
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
EventOptics for EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Astronomy V - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 23 2011Aug 25 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8147
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherOptics for EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Astronomy V
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/23/118/25/11

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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