We developed a systematic method for optimizing the design of depth-graded multilayers for astronomical hard-x-ray and soft-γ-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 addition, we present optimized performance calculations of mirrors, using other material pairs that are capable of extending performance to photon energies above the W K-absorption edge (69.5 keV), including Pt/C, Ni/C, Cu/Si, and Mo/Si.
© 1999 Optical Society of America
Original Manuscript: February 8, 1999
Revised Manuscript: May 12, 1999
Published: August 1, 1999
Peter H. Mao, Fiona A. Harrison, David L. Windt, and Finn E. Christensen, "Optimization of graded multilayer designs for astronomical x-ray telescopes," Appl. Opt. 38, 4766-4775 (1999)