6533b7ddfe1ef96bd127555c
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Light weight, thin plastic foil, X-ray telescopes
Stephen S. MurrayRussell H. IngramFinn Erland ChristensenHerbert W. SchnopperLester M. CohenM. BarberaAlfonso ColluraSuzanne RomaineEric H. Silversubject
PhysicsX-ray astronomyHigh-energy astronomybusiness.industryAstrophysics::High Energy Astrophysical PhenomenaAstrophysics::Instrumentation and Methods for AstrophysicsX-ray opticsReflector (antenna)X-ray telescopeCondensed Matter Physicslaw.inventionTelescopeOpticslawMicrochannel plate detectorTube (container)Electrical and Electronic Engineeringbusinessdescription
We present results from a program to develop an X-ray telescope made from thin plastic shells. Our initial results have been obtained from multi-shell cylindrical lenses that are used in a point-to-point configuration to image the small focal spot of a an X-ray tube on a microchannel plate detector. We describe the steps that led up to the present design and present data from the tests that have been used to identify the properties of the plastic material that make it a suitable X-ray reflector. We discuss two applications of our technology to X-ray missions that are designed to address some of the scientific priorities set forth in NASA's long term plans for high energy astrophysics. One mission will observe in the 1- 10 keV band, the other will extend up to ca. 100keV.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-01-31 |