Ion beam figuring of thin glass plates: achievements and perspectives

Different hot slumping techniques have been developed in the last decade to shape thin glass plates in Wolter-I configuration for high angular resolution x-ray telescopes. The required high quality surface characteristic, both in terms of figure error and of micro-roughness, is challenging and the best results achieved so far are compatible with an HEW of few arcseconds. In order to push forward the technology enabling x-ray optics with final HEW below 1 arcsec, we investigate the ion beam figuring as a deterministic technology which can correct the low frequency components of the residual error directly on thin glasses. In this paper we present the tests performed so far, giving a first assessment on the deterministic process definition. In particular, we report on the results achieved on flat samples of D263 and Eagle glass, focusing on the removal function characterization, the micro-roughness evolution and the plate shape variation

Slumped glass optics development with pressure assistance

Thin glass mirrors are a viable solution to build future X-ray telescopes with high angular resolution and large collecting area. This approach is very attractive for the optics implementation of future X-ray astronomy projects like the X-ray Surveyor Missions in USA, the XTP mission in China and the FORCE mission in Japan (all this projects could have an European participation). In the case of the X-ray Surveyor Mission, where a sub-arcsec angular resolution is requested, the use of actuators or post correction with sputtering deposition is envisaged. The hot slumping assisted by pressure is an innovative technology developed in our laboratories to replicate a mould figure. Our hot slumping process is based on thin substrates of Eagle XG glass to be thermally formed on Zerodur K20 moulds. This technology is coupled with an integration process able to damp low frequency errors. A continuous improvement in the reduction of the mid-frequency errors led to slumped glass foils with a potential angular resolution evaluated from the metrological data of a few arcsec. High frequency errors have been for a long time a critical point of our technology. In particular, the pressure assistance was leading to a partial replication of the mould micro-roughness, causing a non-negligible contribution to the Point Spread Function (PSF), in the incidence angle and X-ray energy range of operation. Therefore, we developed a new process to further reduce the micro-roughness of slumped glass foils, making now the technology attractive also for telescopes sensitive at higher X-ray energies. This paper provides the latest status of our research. <P /

Thin fused silica shells for high-resolution and large collecting area x-ray telescopes (like Lynx/XRS)

The implementation of an X-ray mission with high imaging capabilities, similar to those achieved with Chandra (2 effective area @1 keV), represents a compelling request by the scientific community. To this end the Lynx/XRS mission is being studied in USA, with the participation of international partners. In order to figure out the challenging technological task of the mirror fabrication, different approaches are considered, based on monolithic and segmented shells. Starting from the experience done on the glass prototypal shell realized in the past years, the direct polishing of thin (2 mm thick) fused silica monolithic shells is being investigated as a possible solution. A temporary stiffening structure is designed to support the shell during the figuring and polishing operations and to manage the handling up to its integration in the telescope structure. After the grinding and the polishing phases, in order to achieve the required surface accuracy, a final ion beam figuring correction is foreseen. In this paper, we present the technological process and the results achieved so far on a prototypal shell under development

Design and manufacturing of a compact two-mirror system for multispectral imaging applications

Spectral imaging systems drive the development of remote sensing applications. The possibility to combine integrated multispectral sensors to compact, broadband and wide field optical systems is highly advantageous in terms of reliability, portability, and cost reduction. On the other hand, such optical systems often rely on the feasibility of demanding optical components, as of strongly aspheric optics. The activity of manufacturing and metrological testing of such optics is crucial for the achievement of the whole project. In this paper, we present the design of a compact two-mirror system and the manufacturing of the strongly aspheric primary mirror

Advancements in ion beam figuring of very thin glass plates

The high-quality surface characteristics, both in terms of figure error and of micro-roughness, required on the mirrors of a high angular resolution x-ray telescope are challenging, but in principle well suited with a deterministic and non-contact process like the ion beam figuring. This process has been recently proven to be compatible even with very thin (thickness around 0.4mm) sheet of glasses (like D263 and Eagle). In the last decade, these types of glass have been investigated as substrates for hot slumping, with residual figure errors of hundreds of nanometres. In this view, the mirrors segments fabrication could be envisaged as a simple two phases process: a first replica step based on hot slumping (direct/indirect) followed by an ion beam figuring which can be considered as a post-fabrication correction method. The first ion beam figuring trials, realized on flat samples, showed that the micro-roughness is not damaged but a deeper analysis is necessary to characterize and eventually control/compensate the glass shape variations. In this paper, we present the advancements in the process definition, both on flat and slumped glass samples

X-ray mirror prototype based on cold shaping of thin glass foils

The Slumping Glass Optics technology for the fabrication of astronomical X-ray mirrors has been developed in recent years in USA and Europe. The process has been used for making the mirrors of the Nustar, mission. The process starts with very thin glass foils hot formed to copy the profile of replication moulds. At INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera a process based on cold shaping is being developed, based on an integration method involving the use of interconnecting ribs for making stacks. Each glass foil in the stack is shaped onto a very precise integration mould and the correct shape is frozen by means of glued ribs that act as spacers between one layer and the next one (the first layers being attached to a thick substrate). Therefore, the increasing availability of flexible glass foils with a thickness of a few tens of microns (driven by electronic market for ultra-thin displays) opens new possibilities for the fabrication of X-ray mirrors. This solution appears interesting especially for the fabrication of mirrors for hard X-rays (with energy > 10 keV) based on multilayer coatings, taking advantage from the intrinsic low roughness of the glass foils that should grant a low scattering level. The stress frozen on the glass due to the cold shaping is not negligible, but it is kept into account in the errors of the X-ray optics design. As an exercise, we have considered the requirements and specs of the FORCE hard Xray mission concept (being studied by JAXA) and we have designed the mirror modules assuming the cold slumping as a fabrication method. In the meantime, a prototype (representative of the FORCE mirror modules) is being design and integrated in order to demonstrate the feasibility and the capacity to reach good angular resolution