Replicated nickel optics for the hard-X-ray region

Abstract

Replicated nickel optics has been used extensively in X-ray astronomy, most notably for the XMM/Newton mission. The combination of relative ease of fabrication and the inherent stability of full-shell optics, make them an attractive approach for medium-resolution, high-throughput applications. MSFC has been developing these optics for use in the hard-X-ray region. Efforts at improving their angular resolution, particularly for the very-thin-wall shells required to meet the weight budgets of future missions, are described together with the prospects for future significant improvements. © 2006 Springer.