The design of optimum coded mask X-ray telescopes

Abstract

Considerations involved in the construction and operation of an optimum coded-mask X-ray telescope are discussed. The coded-mask imaging technique is described, along with mask design and construction, telescope geometry, the detector in a coded-mask telescope, attitude determination and control, and data analysis. Specific attention is given to the SL 1501 coded-mask telescope and results obtained with that instrument. It is shown that all the problems associated with the design of coded-mask telescopes are soluble and that X-ray images can be produced at wavelengths shorter than those that can be handled with grazing-incidence optics.