Silicon Pore Optics

While each module is an off-axis lens in itself, many modules can be combined to form a much larger X-ray lens for X-ray astronomy, X-ray Earth observation and ground-based X-ray instrumentation.

X-ray telescopes

SPO is the baseline technology for ESA’s future space based X-ray telescope ATHENA. The low mass of SPO makes it possible to build unprecedented large X-ray lenses cost-effectively, yielding several square meters of effective area. It is a factor 10 lighter than present-day technologies such as the XMM Newton telescope optics, which are made from metal. The modularity of SPO allows for a very large (3m diameter is planned, much larger could be made) X-ray optics, with better optical quality compared to currently flying X-ray telescope.

At smaller sizes, other lightweight instrument applications are possible, such as pulsar navigation (see Further Reading below)

• X-ray astronomy
• Pulsar navigation
• Nuclear explosions and cosmic particles in Earth atmosphere
• Beam line, medical, and material analysis X-ray equipment

• Effective collecting area per module@ 1 keV: 12 cm² at 0.4 kg
• Imaging resolution under 15 arcsec
• Focal lengths between 12 m and 50 m have been demonstrated. Other focal lengths are possible, please inquire.
• Radii of functional optics have been demonstrated from 250mm to 2000mm. Other radii are possible, please inquire.
• Coatings in Ir, Pt, or Au, provide good response up to 8 keV
• Optional multilayers, are capable of boosting response to 30-60 keV

• Technology has TRL 4 for space applications
• Built to order
• Delivery time 1 week per module
• Lead time for focal length other than 15 m is 9 months
• Image resolution below 15 arcsec is under development

• SPO Brochure
• Article on performance Performance prediction and measurement of silicon pore optics
• Article on pulsar navigation Interplanetary GPS using pulsar signals
• SPO at the European Space Agency and the ATHENA observatory’s websites