Aligning high-resolution X-ray telescope mirrors using adjustable-height spacers

Future high-resolution high-throughput X-ray telescopes will require nanometer-accurate alignment of up to tens of thousands of thin optical components. The assembly must be made in a reasonable amount of time and must survive launch. Current approaches, which either kinematically constrain or over-constrain the mirrors, have not been shown to meet all three requirements simultaneously. In contrast to current approaches where spacer dimensions are tuned before bonding, we propose to adjust mirror alignment after bonding by creating strain within glass spacers using an ultrashort pulsed (USP) laser. We propose a process comprising three steps: 1) fabricate spacers using USP laser-assisted chemical etching, 2) bond the spacers and mirrors together into mirror modules, and 3) adjust spacer dimensions using USP laser-generated strain. The mirror modules will use glass and silicon mirrors supplied by Goddard Space Flight Center. They will be tested using an interferometer to detect figure changes during alignment, and the relative alignment between mirrors will be measured using a Hartmann test operating in visible light. The mirror alignment performance will be tested in an X-ray beamline at Marshall Space Flight Center. This project will advance assembly and alignment technology to enable future high-resolution X-ray telescope missions.

The Astrophysics Research and Analysis program (APRA) supports suborbital and suborbital-class investigations, development of detectors and supporting technology, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground based observing. Basic research proposals in these areas are solicited for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals.

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