Technology development for a high-resolving power x-ray spectrometer

With NASA support, MIT has developed a revolutionary type of lightweight, high efficiency and high resolving power x-ray spectrograph called the critical angle transmission (CAT) x-ray grating spectrometer (CAT-XGS) that addresses specific science elements within the Astro2020 Decadal Review. Concentrated technology development has produced nanofabricated grating elements assembled into prototype spectrometers with an unprecedented combination of resolving power and diffraction efficiency. CAT-XGS technology was selected for the Lynx design reference mission and reviewed by the 2020 Decadal committee, and has also been proposed for a series of Explorer and Probe mission concepts, including the Arcus Probe x-ray spectrometer and a sub-orbital mission (REDSoX). A series of increasingly powerful prototype flight grating spectrometers using CAT gratings have been built and x-ray tested, meeting Arcus Probe mission requirements and passing environmental tests. In the proposed research we will continue to develop the technology to improve the grating size and diffraction efficiency towards Lynx requirements (resolving power already exceeds mission targets), exploiting recent breakthroughs including increased grating bar depth using advanced ESOI wafers, development of all-dry bar thinning technology, and powerful 3D photonic imaging enabled by Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry which promises to increase manufacturing readiness and boost diffraction efficiency. As part of this effort, we propose to demonstrate advancement to TRL 5 by the end of the funded effort. These technology advances are specifically targeted to strategic missions called for in the Astro2020 Decadal Review.

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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