Development status of adjustable grazing incidence optics for 0.5 arc second X-ray imaging

We describe progress in the development of adjustable grazing incidence X-ray optics for 0.5 arcsec resolution cosmic X-ray imaging. To date, no optics technology is available to blend high resolution imaging like the Chandra X-ray Observatory, with square meter collecting area. Our approach to achieve these goals simultaneously is to directly deposit thin film piezoelectric actuators on the back surface of thin, lightweight Wolter-I or Wolter- Schwarschild mirror segments. The actuators are used to correct mirror figure errors due to fabrication, mounting and alignment, using calibration and a one-time figure adjustment on the ground. If necessary, it will also be possible to correct for residual gravity release and thermal effects on-orbit. In this paper we discuss our most recent results in operating multiple adjusters, and extending the process from flat test mirrors to cylindrical and conical test mirror segments. A comparison of modeled and measured influence functions is shown. We also present simulation results showing the process is consistent with the achievement of half arcsec imaging.