X-ray Reflection Gratings: Key Developments for the Next Decade

X-ray spectroscopy was a major science driver in the previous decade, and the recently released Astro2020 Decadal Survey also highlighted its importance for the 2020s. The wealth of absorption and emission features in the soft X-ray can be used to detail feedback from galactic nuclei, characterize accretion processes in young stars, discern physical characteristics in supernova remnants, map plasma in galaxy clusters, and trace missing baryons. The power of spectroscopy could lead to many significant discoveries in the soft X-ray band, but future X-ray gratings require performance improvements to reach many scientific goals. For these reasons, the most recent NASA prioritization activity placed “high-efficiency X-ray grating arrays for high-resolution spectroscopy” near the top as a Tier 2 technology gap. This proposal aims to increase the technology readiness level (TRL) of X-ray reflection gratings from TRL 4 to TRL 5 using a technology development roadmap that has been defined and constrained through discoveries made during precursor SAT- and APRA-funded studies. The major goals of the proposed SAT efforts are 1) to performance test new, blazed, radially-ruled, master gratings and replicas, 2) fabricate and test aligned modules of grating replicas, and 3) determine requirements and constraints on utilizing a large number of modules over large-area arrays. At the end of the program, we plan to hold a TRL 5 vetting meeting with the Technology Management Board where the technology development plan to TRL 6 can also be approved. The three goals will be accomplished through a series of milestones. First, radial profiles have been successfully created using electron beam lithography and X-ray testing of these gratings has shown high resolving power. Meanwhile, blazed profiles have been created using several methods and have achieved high diffraction efficiency. These blazing processes will be applied to the electron beam patterned gratings for subsequent replication and testing to achieve the first goal. Next, a new process for stacking gratings into a module has recently been developed and will be applied to the replicas to create an aligned module. Alignment tolerances and performance will be verified with a range of metrology methods to accomplish the second goal. Finally, detailed raytracing will be utilized to create theoretical arrays of reflection gratings over a range of architectures consistent with future Probe and flagship missions. Alignment tolerances, required grating patterns, module limitations, and array layout will be modeled to define steps to achieve TRL 6, dependent on mission size.

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.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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