Design and fabrication of prototype piezoelectric adjustable X-ray mirrors

Area of Science:

• Astrophysics
• Materials Science
• Optics

Background:

• The Lynx observatory concept requires advanced X-ray optics.
• Lightweight, high spatial resolution mirrors are critical for next-generation X-ray telescopes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and fabricate piezoelectric adjustable X-ray optics for the Lynx mission.
• To investigate the feasibility of thin glass shell mirrors with integrated piezoelectric actuators.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of thin glass shell mirrors with Cr/Ir X-ray reflective coatings.
• Deposition of metal electrodes and piezoelectric layers using magnetron sputtering.
• Division of piezoelectric material into 112 independent actuators.

Main Results:

• Achieved 100% yield in the fabrication of 112 independent piezoelectric actuators.
• Successfully developed thin glass shell mirrors with piezoelectric adjustability.
• Investigated residual thermal stresses and Cr/Ir coating stress for balancing.

Conclusions:

• Piezoelectric adjustable X-ray optics are a viable technology for the Lynx observatory.
• The developed fabrication process demonstrates high yield and potential for stress management.
• These optics meet the demanding requirements for future high-resolution X-ray astronomy.