Abstract

A need exists for a high resolution (E/ΔE ≳ 500–1000), imaging (~5 × 5 arcmin pixel) spectrometer capable of studying cosmic x-ray sources with appreciable angular extent (up to 1–2°) and which emit a broad range of line spectra from highly ionized plasmas (oxygen through iron). A large flat objective crystal couples nicely to a modest resolution but high throughput x-ray concentrating telescope to produce high dispersion images of diffuse x-ray sources in each of the several lines present in the spectrum. Unprecedented spectral resolution is provided for point sources and, provided that they do not vary on rapid time scales, a spectrum can be scanned over a wide energy range with unparalleled sensitivity.

© 1987 Optical Society of America

Spherical crystal imaging spectrometer (SCIS) for cosmic x-ray spectroscopy

Herbert W. Schnopper and Paul O. Taylor
Appl. Opt. 19(19) 3306-3312 (1980)

Conical Focusing Crystal Spectrometers for Cosmic X-Ray Astronomy

B. E. Woodgate, T. Lowinger, and M. Schneider
Appl. Opt. 12(11) 2759-2764 (1973)

Properties of a transmission grating behind a grazing incidence telescope for cosmic x-ray spectroscopy

K. P. Beuermann, R. Lenzen, and H. Bräuninger
Appl. Opt. 16(5) 1425-1431 (1977)

Doubly curved imaging Bragg crystal spectrometer for x-ray astronomy

Bjarne P. Byrnak, Finn E. Christensen, Niels J. Westergaard, and Herbert W. Schnopper
Appl. Opt. 24(16) 2543-2548 (1985)

Measurements of mosaicity and perfection of crystallites in commercially available crystals using a 4-axis perfect-crystal x-ray diffractometer

Finn E. Christensen, Kulinder P. Singh, Niels J. Westergaard, and Herbert W. Schnopper
Appl. Opt. 26(2) 235-240 (1987)