Development of lightweight blazed transmission gratings and large-area soft x-ray spectrographs

Ralf K. Heilmann; Alex R. Bruccoleri; Dong Guan; Mark L. Schattenburg

doi:10.1117/12.2024426

26 September 2013 Development of lightweight blazed transmission gratings and large-area soft x-ray spectrographs

Ralf K. Heilmann, Alex R. Bruccoleri, Dong Guan, Mark L. Schattenburg

Proceedings Volume 8861, Optics for EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Astronomy VI; 886118 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024426
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Large area, high resolving power spectroscopy in the soft x-ray band can only be achieved with a state-of-the-art diffraction grating spectrometer, comprised of large collecting-area focusing optics with a narrow point spread function, large-area high-resolving power diffraction gratings, and small pixel, order sorting x-ray detectors. Recently developed critical-angle transmission (CAT) gratings combine the advantages of transmission gratings (low mass, relaxed figure and alignment tolerances) and blazed reflection gratings (high broad band diffraction efficiency, utilization of higher diffraction orders). Several new mission concepts containing CAT grating based spectrometers (AEGIS, AXSIO, SMART-X) promise to deliver unprecedented order-of-magnitude improvements in soft x-ray spectroscopy figures of merit related to the detection and characterization of emission and absorption lines, thereby addressing high-priority questions identified in the Astro2010 Decadal Survey “New Worlds New Horizons”. We review the current status of CAT grating fabrication, present recent fabrication results, and describe our plans and technology development roadmap for the coming year and beyond.

Citation Download Citation

Ralf K. Heilmann, Alex R. Bruccoleri, Dong Guan, and Mark L. Schattenburg "Development of lightweight blazed transmission gratings and large-area soft x-ray spectrographs", Proc. SPIE 8861, Optics for EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Astronomy VI, 886118 (26 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024426

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available