Development of 0.5 Arc-second Adjustable Grazing Incidence X-ray Mirrors for the SMART-X Mission Concept

This proposal is for the development of 0.5 arc-second adjustable grazing incidence X-ray optics from the current TRL 3 to higher technology readiness levels, as necessary to support the SMART-X mission concept. Our work will advance the optical system TRL by incorporating the development of 0.25 arc-second, multiple X-ray shell alignment and mounting, developing flight-like mounting, and demonstration of meeting the vibro-acoustic environment of launch. We will build upon our planned TRL 4 development (planned Sept 15) by X-ray testing a multiple X-ray shell system. In addition, we will initiate the development and industry discussions to increase the size of the adjustable mirrors from their present 10 cm x 10 cm (limited by our coating chamber) to full size (~ 20 cm x 20 to 40 cm), making use of industry capabilities. We will also continue real-time lifetime testing of piezoelectric test mirrors in a space-like environment (vacuum, radiation, spacecraft survival temperatures, etc.) begun earlier, to accrue long term data on thin film piezoelectric performance.