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A stacked prism lens concept for next-generation hard X-ray telescopes

DOI: 10.1038/s41550-019-0795-y DOI Help

Authors: Wujun Mi (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) , Peter Nillius (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) , Mark Pearce (KTH Royal Institute of Technology; AlbaNova University Centre) , Mats Danielsson (Royal Institute of Technology)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Nature Astronomy , VOL 3 , PAGES 867 - 872

State: Published (Approved)
Published: June 2019
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 16693

Abstract: Effective collecting area, angular resolution, field of view and energy response are fundamental attributes of X-ray telescopes. The performance of state-of-the-art telescopes is currently restricted by Wolter optics, especially for hard X-rays. Here we report the development of a stacked prism lens (SPL), which is lightweight and modular and has the potential for a significant improvement in effective area, while retaining high angular resolution. The proposed optics are built by stacking disks embedded with prismatic rings, created with photoresist by focused ultraviolet lithography. We demonstrate the SPL approach using a prototype lens that was manufactured and characterized at a synchrotron radiation facility. The design of a potential satellite-borne X-ray telescope is outlined and the performance is compared with contemporary missions.

Journal Keywords: Astronomical instrumentation; Lithography; X-rays

Subject Areas: Physics


Instruments: B16-Test Beamline

Added On: 14/11/2019 14:37

Discipline Tags:

Optics Physics

Technical Tags:

Imaging