Wolter Optics for Neutron Focusing

From x-ray telescopes to neutron focusing

In the case of neutrons the refractive index is slightly less than unity for most elements and their isotopes. Consequently, thermal and cold neutrons can be reflected from smooth surfaces at grazing-incidence angles. Hence, the optical technologies developed for x-ray astronomy can be applied for neutron focusing. The focusing capabilities of grazing incidence neutron imaging optics have been ...

Low-resolution small-angle scattering using neutron focusing optics

Optimization of graded multilayer designs for astronomical X-ray telescopes.

We developed a systematic method for optimizing the design of depth-graded multilayers for astronomical hard-x-ray and soft-gamma-ray telescopes based on the instrument's bandpass and the field of view. We apply these methods to the design of the conical-approximation Wolter I optics employed by the balloon-borne High Energy Focusing Telescope, using W/Si as the multilayer materials. In additio...

FIGURING OF MILLIMETER-THICK ELLIPTICAL MIRROR SUBSTRATE USING NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED LOCAL WET ETCHING WITH LOW-PRESSURE POLISHING M.Nagano1, F.Yamaga1, N.Zettsu1, D.Yamazaki2, R.Maruyama2, K.Soyama2 and K.Yamamura1

1.Introduction Recently, various measurements using neutron beam have attracted much attention because of the ability to identify hydrogen atoms and water molecules exactly, sensitivity to magnetism and hard penetrating power. And high-intensity proton accelerator facilities are constructed for neutron research such as J-PARC in Japan, ISIS-TS2 in UK and SNS in USA. However, neutron intensity i...

Miniature lightweight X-ray optics (MiXO) for surface elemental composition mapping of asteroids and comets

The compositions of diverse planetary bodies are of fundamental interest to planetary science, providing clues to the formation and evolutionary history of the target bodies and the solar system as a whole. Utilizing the X-ray fluorescence unique to each atomic element, X-ray imaging spectroscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool of the chemical and mineralogical compositions of diverse planetary b...