Grazing Incidence Optics designs for future Gamma ray Missions

摘要

Sensitive nuclear line spectroscopy for observations of prompt emission from supernovae, as well as mapping of remnants has been a primary goal of gamma-ray astrophysics since its inception. A number of key lines lie in the energy band from 10 - 600 keV. In this region of the spectrum, observations have to-date been limited by high ackground and poor angular resolution. In this paper, we present several designs capable of extending the sensitivity of grazing incidence optics into this energy range. In particular, we discuss a 15 m focal length design for NASA's High-Sensitivity Spectroscopic Imaging Mission (HSI) concept, as well as a 50 m focal length design for NASA's High-Sensitivity Spectroscopic Imaging Mission (HSI) concept, as well as a 50 m focal length design which can extend ESA's XEUS mission into this band. We demonstrate that an unprecedented line sensitivity of 10~-7 cm ~-2s~-1 can be achieved for the most important liens in this energy band.