The concept of the Large Area Modular Array of Reflectors (LAMAR) is based upon satisfying two important requirements in X-ray astronomy, large collecting area and moderately good or better angular resolution for avoiding source confusion and imaging source fields. An array of identical modules, each consisting of an imaging X-ray telescope of a convenient size and suitable focal length plus an efficient position sensitive detector, are co-aligned only to within ordinary mechanical tolerances to fill any available aperture. The LAMAR provides the same sensitivity and signal to noise in imaging as a single large telescope having the same area and angular resolution but is a great deal less costly to develop, construct, and integrate into a space mission. Furthermore, its modular nature allows for an evolutionary development from a modest size array on Spacelab to a shuttle launched free flyer which the LAMAR is increased in effective area and improved with respect to its angular resolution as funding and technical developments are available. The LAMAR module must provide good angular resolution, be relatively low in cost, and be capable of being produced in substantial numbers at a fast rate of production. At the present time, we can identify three manufacturing methods that show great promise with respect to these requirements, mechanical alignment of slightly curved nested plates of float glass, machining of paraboloid/hyperboid cylinders and replication of highly polished and accurate masters. Detector development has also been encouraging from the standpoint of continually improving spatial and spectral resolution.

Date Published: 9 August 1979
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 0184, Space Optics Imaging X-Ray Optics Workshop, (9 August 1979); doi: 10.1117/12.957435

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0184:
Space Optics Imaging X-Ray Optics Workshop
Martin C. Weisskopf, Editor(s)