VOXI: Versatile Optics for X-ray Imaging

Abstract

Versatile Optics for X-ray Imaging (VOXI) is a technology that enables a wide range of missions and opens up new opportunities for scientific research over multiple disciplines including fundamental physics, heliophysics, astrophysics, lunar and planetary science, and laboratory physics. VOXI is well-suited to SmallSats, which have become powerful platforms from which to conduct leading scientific investigations and cutting-edge technology developments at low cost with rapid turn-arounds. At the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard and Smithsonian, in collaboration with other institutions, we have developed VOXI, a Wolter-I Xray telescope with a focal length of < 1.5 m. In this paper we describe the potential of these optics, and the applications for VOXI optics considered to date.