MEMS-based X-ray optics for future astronomical missions

Abstract

X-ray optics based on MEMS technologies can provide future astronomical missions with ultra light-weight and high-performance optical systems. Curvilinear micropores vertical to a thin wafer are made by using DRIE (Deep Reactive Ion Etching) or X-ray LIGA. The side walls are smoothed by using magnetic field assisted finishing and annealing technologies in order that the walls can reflect X-rays. Two or four such wafers are bent to spherical shapes with different curvature of radii and stacked, to focus parallel X-rays from astronomical objects by multiple reflections. In this paper, the concept and recent advances of the MEMS X-ray optics are reviewed.