Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011head...12.3803r&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, HEAD meeting #12, #38.03
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Future advances in x-ray astronomy, particularly in the studies of the first Black Holes, early galaxies, clusters of galaxies, AGN and jets, will simultaneously require Chandra-like or better angular resolution, and large collecting area (> ten times Chandra). Satisfying these requirements is a daunting task for future x-ray telescopes. We are developing technologies that represent a promising solution to this problem: adjustable grazing incidence bimorph x-ray mirrors. These mirrors are composed of thin glass or metal segments of (e.g.) a Wolter-I optic, with a thin (1 - 5 micrometer) film of piezoelectric material deposited on the back surface of the mirror. The piezo material is locally addressable via a pattern of electrodes deposited on top of the piezo. In operation, deformations from the set of piezoelectric cells on the mirror are optimized to correct mirror figure errors due to mirror fabrication and mounting, and on-orbit effects such as gravity release and thermal deformations. Correction of mirror figure can be done once on the ground, or once (or infrequently) on-orbit using a bright astronomical point source. The bimorph approach eliminates the need for a heavy, stiff reaction structure.
We report on the status of our development efforts. Most importantly, and for the first time, micron thick films of piezoelectric material were deposited onto thin glass mirrors and piezoelectric "cells” were energized to produce localized deformations in the mirror. Low voltages yield micron amplitude deformations, more than sufficient to correct mirrors with pre-adjustment figure of 5 - 10 arc seconds. Modeling of error correction using predicted piezo cell influence functions shows correction of low spatial frequency figure errors to levels of less than 1 arc second is achievable. Current efforts are focused on reducing deformations introduced during piezo deposition, and increasing piezo cell yield.
Bookbinder Jay
Brissenden Roger J.
Cotroneo Vincenzo
Davis William N.
Forman William R.
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