Interferometric tests of Schwarzchild X-ray Microscope are performed to evaluate the optical properties and alignment of the components. Photographic measurements of the spatial resolution, focal properties, and vignetting characteristics of the prototype Water Window Imaging X-ray Microscope are made and analyzed

Johnson, R. Barry

English

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Interferometric and Optical Tests of
Water Window Imaging X-ray Microscopes
FINAL REPORT
NASA P.O. No. H-13030D
UAH Account No. 5-33018
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Prepared for:
Space Science Laboratory
NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, Alabama
Prepared by:
Center for Applied Optics
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama
July 1993
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19940006051 2020-06-16T21:11:47+00:00Z
Interferometric and Optical Tests of
Water Window Imaging X-ray Microscopes
The Center for Applied Optics of the University of Alabama in Huntsville is
pleased to submit this final report entitled "Interferometric and Optical Tests of Water
Window Imaging X-ray Microscopes" that documents the activities and results for NASA
P.O No. H-13030D.
Under previous efforts, NASA/MSFC has fabricated normal-incidence multilayer
optical systems for the Water Window Imaging X-ray Microscope program. Under
another contract, the preliminary alignment of two Schwarzschild X-ray microscope
systems was accomplished using the Center for Applied Optics' Zygo interferometer. To
support the objectives of this instant program, advanced aspheric microscopes were
fabricated, but not assembled nor aligned. As part of NASA P.O. No. H-13030D, these
new microscope systems were assembled and tested using interferometric methods
similar to those applied to the aforementioned Schwarzschild optical systems.
During the initial period of this contract, UAH personnel used the CAO's Zygo
interferometer to perform interferometric tests on the Schwarzschild X-ray microscope to
evaluate the focal properties and optical alignment of the consistent components. The
testing was performed in the optics laboratory of NASA/MSFC/SSL. Results of the
investigation indicated that the optical performance was nominally what was expected
except that the coatings were observed to have less than adequate performance.
Another task under this contract involved performing resolution tests, by using
resolution test targets and ultrahigh resolution photographic'films, to gain an
understanding of the optical characteristics of the aforementioned microscopes as a
function of field angle and focal position. The objective was to quantify the properties of
field curvature, optical vignetting effects, and off-axis behavior. In order to accomplish
this objective, UAH personnel began photographic tests using facilities located at MSFC
in the X-ray Optics Laboratory of SSL. In particular, UAH personnel assisted in the
installation and check-out of automatedphotographic film and paper processing
equipment since this equipment was needed to perform proper testing of the Water
Window Microscope.
After installation of aforementioned processing equipment, UAH personnel began
developing expertise in utilizing the automated processing and testing equipment for
photographic materials to be used with the Water Window Microscope. Due to the
complex nature of the processing equipment, UAH personnel developed an appropriate
preventive maintenance schedule and began following said schedule. Implementation of
the maintenance schedule should save the Government significant repair and
replacement costs. Appendix A presents the Paper Processing Maintenance Schedule.
UAH personnel developed procedures for using the acquired processing
equipment and verified these procedures to enhance existing MSSTA flight images that
were previously unusable due to improper exposure during the flight. Experience was
gained by working with the same types of 70-mm films that will be used to capture
images formed by the Water Window Microscope. Due to the difficulty and cost of
obtaining time on the X-ray source, it is important that exposure and processing
procedures be established for films prior to their use with the Water Window X-ray
microscope.
During the later period of this contract, UAH personnel continued refining and
enhancing procedures and techniques for utilizing the automated processing equipment.
The overall improvement was verified by observation of the significant increase in the
degree of enhancement obtained in processing the existing MSSTA flight images. Based
upon the knowledge gained from the enhancement of the MSSTA flight images, film was
prepared for testing at the NIST synchotron (X-ray.source). After exposing these film at
the synchrotron, a variety of experiments were conducted to determine the specific
procedures that will produce the best images, especially for those cases when the film is
underexposed. These techniques may also be useful for processing the next MSSTA
flight film should the film be improperly exposed.
Additional proceduresfor using the automatic film processingequipment were
developed. A seriesof experimentswere conducted to determine the processing
characteristicsof severalphotographic developers. The objective of these experiments
was to determine the performance response of the flight films when "push" processing
methods were employed, i.e., how much the contrast increases and the resolution
decreases. The objectives of this effort were achieved and NASA's ability to more
optimally process film that will be exposed using the Water Window X-ray Microscope
has been enhanced.
R. Ba_y_.J_nson
Principal Investigator
APPENDIX A.
PAPER PROCESSOR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.
In m'der for Ihe pape,' processor to produce optimum results, periodic maintenance is necessary.
This unit consists of a complex assortment of rollers, gears and other moving parts. Combine this
machine with photographic chemicals which tend to form deposits as evaporation occurs, and lhe
stage is set for probh'ms. Compounding this prohlem is the fact that the water supply is blessed with
an exceplional :unounl of calcium. The end of result of mixing photochemicals with a calcium-laden
water supply is an abundance of deposits of various salts. This maintenance schedule was developed
to keep the intricate machinery operational.
DAILY (EXCEPT FRIDAYS)
At the end of each day of processing paper, the cover of the unit should be remow'd and left
off overnight to prevent condensation with the machinery. The cover should be replaced on the
following morning. If Ihe unit was not used during a given day, then the cover should remain on.
FRIDAYS
At the end of each week. the photochemicals should be drained from the reservoir and stored
in the 5 gallon carbovs located in the SSL darkroom. After removal of the solutions, both reservoir
shol,ht be flushed with tap water. Both roller/cog assemblies should be removed and scrubbed in the
pl,_stic bin that can with the unit for this very purpose. The use of a mild detergent with warm water
anti a scrubber-sponge will remove all but the most stubborn spots. For these spots, a soak in warm
soapy water for 30 minutes followed by scrubbing with a mild abrasive (such as Soft Scrub") will
provide most satisfactory results.
BI-WEEKLY
Every two weeks, under daily user of the processor, the photochemicals will hecome depleted.
Under heavv use of the processor, depletion will occur sooner. However, note that even without use,
lhe chemicals will still undergo oxidation and thereby become unusable. At this point, the chemicals
need to he drained from both reservoir and disposed of. The tanks need to be flushed with tap water
and the tiltering screens need to be cleaned. Fresh chemicals can then be mixed and added to the
processor.
STORAGE DURING PERIODS OF NON-USE
r
During extended periods of non-use, the chemicals in the tanks need to be removed and the
roller:gear assemblies cleaned. The tanks should then be filled to capacity with tap water, then the
cover should be replaced. When the processor is in this condition - tanks full of waler, not
photochemicals - it is recommended thai a note be affixed to the processor so that someone
attempting to use the unit will be aware of the fact that there are no chemicals in the tanks.
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Interferometric and Optical Tests of
Window Imaging X-ray Microscopes
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R. Barry Johnson
9. Pe_o_lnq Orgam_tlon Name ano AOore_
Center for Applied Optics
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL
"" S_nsorlnq Agency Name ano Aaareu
NASA/MSFC
3. rtec;o.lnt s Catagog No+
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July 1993
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5-33018
3. Pe.o_mg Organ_uon @eDo_ NO.
Final
10. Won( Un. No.
1. Conttacz or Grant No.
P. O. No. H-13030D
:3. Tv_ ot Re_n ana Pemoa Covemo
Final
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15. $u®lerrln_rv Not.
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Interferometric tests of Schwarzchild X-ray microscope are performed to evaluate
the optical properties and alignment of the components. Photographic measurements
of the spatial resolution, focal properties, and vignetting characteristics of the
prototype Water Window Imaging X-ray Microscope are made and analyzed.
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Interferometric and optical tests of water window imaging x ray microscopes

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