The proposed research is directed at the development of new mirror coatings having low film stress and high x-ray reflectance, which are critically needed for the construction of lightweight, nested X-ray telescopes such as Lynx, the high-energy flagship mission under consideration for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey. Other future NASA X-ray missions would also be enabled through the realization of lightweight X-ray telescopes having high collecting area with sub-arcsecond angular resolution.
The ability to successfully deposit iridium (and other thin films) cost-effectively at low stress levels is desirable in precision optics, particularly the x-ray or EUV regions. In addition to astronomical research, medical instruments and homeland security applications can also benefit from the proposed technology.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
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Skyhaven Systems, LLC | Lead Organization | Industry | Steamboat Springs, Colorado |
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Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |