Method of and means for testing a glancing-incidence mirror system of an X-ray telescope
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorCarroll C. Dailey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for testing a glancing-incidence mirror system for an X-ray telescope, wherein the system has an even number of coaxial and confocal reflecting surfaces, includes an X-ray laser for generating a collimated beam of X-rays directed along the axis of the system so that the beam is incident on the reflecting surfaces and illuminates a predetermined area thereof. An X-ray detector, such as a photographic film, is located at the common focus of the surfaces so that the image thereon produced by the X-rays will provide a measure of the resolution and efficiency of the system.
Claims2
Apparatus for testing a glancing-incidence mirror system of an X-ray telescope, the system having an even number of coaxial and confocal reflecting surfaces comprising:
- a. an X-ray laser for generating a collimated test beam of X-rays directed along the axis of the system and incident on a substantial area of the reflecting surfaces;
- b. a sheet of film located at the common focus and lying in the focal plane of the reflecting surfaces;
- and
- c. a test pattern interposed between the laser and the mirror so that the resultant image on the film can be compared with the test pattern to determine the performance of the system.
A method for testing a glancing-incidence mirror system of an X-ray telescope, the system having an even number of coaxial and confocal reflecting surfaces comprising:
- a. illuminating the system with a collimated beam of X-rays directed along the optical axis of the system and derived from an X-ray laser;
- b. locating a sheet of film in the focal plane of the reflecting surface;
- and
- c. interposing, between the laser and the system, a test pattern so that the image produced on the film can be compared with the test pattern to determine the efficiency and resolution of the system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.