An open question in the measurement of X-ray optics for satellite experiments is what the PSF (point spread function) looks like in orbit and what the focal length for a source at infinite distance is. In order to measure segmented optics as proposed for ATHENA a collimated X-ray beam with a size of several square centimeters is necessary. We showed that by using a zone plate such a collimated beam can be achieved. We discuss here the requirements such a zone plate collimator has to comply in order to characterize with this collimator an ATHENA type optic. Additional we can present results obtained with a first version of such a collimator and can show so the proof of principle.

Date Published: 24 July 2014
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 9144, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2014: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 91445J (24 July 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2057463

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9144:
Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2014: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray
Tadayuki Takahashi; Jan-Willem A. den Herder; Mark Bautz, Editor(s)