Adolf Inneman

Focusing Mirrors for Use with Microfocus X-ray Tubes

Several different types of X-ray mirrors suitable for use with a microfocus X-ray tube and intended principally for single-crystal diffractometry are discussed and compared. The construction and performance of ellipsoidal mirrors made by an electroforming method are described in detail. The intensity at the mirror focus is comparable with the flux obtained with conventional arrangements with X-ray tubes dissipating more than 100 times the power of the microfocus tube.

Lobster-eye x-ray telescopes: recent progress

We describe and discuss the LOBSTER EYE X-ray telescope project including recent results of the development and tests of advanced telescope prototypes. They include both very small (3 × 3 mm) as well as large (300 × 300 mm) Schmidt lenses. Considerations for a space experiment on a small scientific satellite of a Nadezhda type are also discussed.

Lobster eye x-ray optics

The imaging x-ray telescopes in current use mostly have limited field of view. The alternative x-ray optics geometries achieving very large fields of view have been theoretically suggested in the 70s but have been not constructed and used so far. We review the design and basic properties of the wide-field x-ray optical system based on one- and two-dimensional lobster-eye geometry and suggest technologies for their development and construction. First results of the development of replicated x-ray reflecting cells for use in 2D x-ray optics of Angel lobster eye type are presented and discussed.

Replicated grazing incidence x-ray optics: past, present, and future

The development of x-ray optics with focus on replicated grazing incidence mirrors has a long tradition in the Czech Republic. The design of the first x-ray imaging lenses stated in late 60s and the first mirrors have been available since 1970. They were flown on 8 space probes and/or experiments so far. Recently, we participate in the design and development of innovative x-ray optics for future space missions, especially for those with very large field of view. These lenses are believed to allow the first deep monitoring of the sky sphere in x-rays. There are also numerous ground-based laboratory applications.

Progress in Lobster - Eye X-ray optics development

The Lobster-eye optics represents a promising way of very wide field X-ray imaging with numerous applications especially in future X-ray astronomy projects and in fast yet sensitive monitoring of X-ray sky. We report on recent developments in design and construction of wide-field optical elements of Schmidt and Angel geometry. New compact Lobster-eye modules with both geometrical arrangements have been developed and tested. They feature improved parameters such as surface quality and angular resolution. Computer ray-tracing and first experimental results obtained in visible and X-ray regions are presented.

Lightweight x-ray optics for future space missions

The future X-ray astrophysics space missions require very light-weight but large and precise X-ray mirrors shells. Clearly, developments of innovative techniques and approaches are necessary. We discuss the possible alternative techniques with focus on the technologies and experience available in the Czech Republic. They include light ceramics replication by plasma spraying as well as by CVD and PVD technologies, SiC, thin glass technology, improved electroforming, glossy carbon, as well as glossy metals.

Astronomical Tasks for Tests of X-Ray Optics in VZLUSAT-1 Nanosatellite

VZLUSAT-1 nanosatellite (scheduled launch in spring 2017 from India) is a CubeSat mission which, besides other instrumentation, contains X-ray desk to perform efficiency tests of the X-ray optics. In this article the analysis of potential observational candidates for VZLUSAT-1 X-ray board is presented together with the suggestion of observational modes, laboratory measurements, and estimations of exposure settings.

Lobster eye optics for nano-satellite x-ray monitor

The Lobster eye design for a grazing incidence X-ray optics provides wide field of view of the order of many degrees, for this reason it would be a convenient approach for the construction of space X-ray monitors. In this paper, we compare previously reported measurements of prototype lobster eye X-ray optics called P-25 with computer simulations and discuss differences between the theoretical end experimentally obtained results. Usability of this prototype lobster eye and manufacturing technology for the nano-satellite mission is assessed. The specific scientific goals are proposed.

Astronomical lobster eye telescopes

We describe and discuss astronomical LOBSTER EYE X-ray telescopes based on Multi Foil Optics including recent results of the development and tests of advanced laboratory samples. An alternative proposal for a space experiment based on this optics - Lobster All Sky Monitor - is also briefly presented and discussed.

Wide-field x-ray optics

The recent imaging X-ray telescopes have quite limited field of view of order of 1 degree or so. The development of wide- field X-ray telescopes with large field of view, reasonable angular resolution and high sensitivity can play an important role in future of X-ray astronomy and astrophysics. An important alternative is the Lobster eye X- ray optics theoretically described in the past but not yet constructed and used in a real experiment. We review the wide-field X-ray optics arrangements and discuss their preferences and drawbacks. We report on the design, development, manufacture and tests of first test X-ray objectives based on both Angel and Schmidt lobster eye geometry. We also suggest strategy for further developments in this area and discuss the scientific importance of space experiments based on lobster eye optics.