The Smart X-ray Optics project is a UK based consortium consisting of several institutions to investigate the application of active/adaptive optics upon both small and large scale grazing incidence x-ray optics. The work done at University College London (UCL) focuses on the application of piezoelectric materials to large scale optics in order to actively deform the mirror's surface. These optics are geared towards the next generation of x-ray telescopes and it is hoped that the project will be able to achieve a resolution greater than that currently available by Chandra (0.5"). One of the aims of the consortium is to produce a working prototype. The initial design is based on a thin nickel ellipsoid segment with an x-ray reflective coating, on the back of which will be bonded a series of piezoelectric actuators. Investigation into the specification of the design of an active x-ray optic prototype and suitable support test structure has been undertaken. The dimensions and constraints upon the prototype, and the manufacturing process to produce a nickel shell are discussed. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the physical characteristics of piezoelectric materials has shown the ability to deform the nickel surface to correct for errors of several microns. FEA has also been utilised in the specification of the prototype's support structure to ensure that gravitational sag upon the optic is kept to a minimum. Laboratory experiments have tested a series of materials, different actuators and bonding methods, which could then be applied to the prototype.

Date Published: 21 November 2007
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 6721, 3rd International Symposium on Advanced Optical Manufacturing and Testing Technologies: Large Mirrors and Telescopes, 67210T (21 November 2007); doi: 10.1117/12.782955

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6721:
3rd International Symposium on Advanced Optical Manufacturing and Testing Technologies: Large Mirrors and Telescopes
Yudong Zhang; Wenhan Jiang; Myung K. Cho, Editor(s)