Design, analysis, and testing of x-ray mirror modules

Abstract

The construction of x-ray telescopes that exhibit both high resolution and a low mass to effective area ratio poses many unique challenges. As the development of lightweight silicon x-ray mirrors approaches sub-arc-second resolution, previously inconsequential effects and complications must be addressed. This paper will address the structural analysis methods and experimental data that has been collected in attempts to address and resolve these issues for silicon mirror modules. Various parameters are run through trade space using finite element (FE) models and ray trace algorithms in attempts to contribute to the understanding of challenging and extremely sensitive conditions. Results and experimental data are then used to guide the on-going development of optics modules meeting the requirements of ambitious future x-ray missions. In this paper we discuss how the stringent distortion requirements of a high-resolution telescope are combined with launch vibration strength requirements to design optimized mirror modules.