Progress towards Meeting the Constellation-X Performance Goals using Segmented X-ray Mirrors

摘要

We present an overview of our recent progress toward the development of segmented X-ray mirrors for the Constellation-X mission. Our reference design incorporates thin glass reflector substrates, with axially curved X-ray reflecting surfaces applied via epoxy replication. Alignment is accomplished via a precision structure incorporating ultraprecise etched Si alignment microstructures (as described in associated papers). Recent efforts have been devoted to demonstrating that the figure of prototype small segments and the alignment process will allow us to meet the 15" half-power diameter angular resolution requirement. We discuss the status of this, of our efforts to fabricate meter-class semgnets, and of the developments of supporting metrolgoical techniques. We summarize our plans for a laboratory demonstration of a prototype mirror meeting the Constellation-X angular resolution and weight requirements.