Large light X-ray optics: basic ideas and concepts

One of the main guidelines for future X-ray astronomy projects like, e.g., XEUS (ESA) and Generation-X (NASA) is to utilize grazing-incidence focusing optics with extremely large telescopes (several tens of m² at 1 keV), with a dramatic increase in collecting area of about two order of magnitude compared to the current X-ray telescopes. In order to avoid the problem of the source's confusion limit at low fluxes, the angular resolution required for these optics should be superb (a few arcsec at most). The enormous mirror dimensions together with the high imaging performances give rise to a number of manufacturing problems. It is basically impossible to realize so large mirrors from closed Wolter I shells which benefit from high mechanical stiffness. Instead the mirrors need to be formed as rectangular segments and a series of them will be assembled in a petal. Taking into account the realistic load capabilities of space launchers, to be able to put in orbit so large mirror modules the mass/geometric-area ratio of the optics should be very small. Finally, with a so large optics mass it would be very difficult to provide the electric power for an optics thermal active control, able to maintain the mirrors at the usual temperature of 20 °C. Therefore, very likely, the optics will instead operate in extreme thermal conditions, with the mirror temperature oscillating between −30 and −40 °C, that tends to exclude the epoxy replication approach (the mismatch between the CTE of the substrate and that of the resin would cause prohibitively large deformations of the mirror surface profiles). From these considerations light weight materials with high thermal–mechanical properties such as glass or ceramics become attractive to realize the mirrors of future Xray telescopes. In this paper, we will discuss a segments manufacturing method based on Borofloat^TM glass. A series of finite element analysis concerning different aspects of the production, testing and integration of the optics are also presented as well.     

电铸镍Wolter I型光学系统制造技术发展综述

摘要： 为满足未来脉冲星导航和空间天文观测任务对X射线望远镜的载荷需求，Wolter I光学系统的研制正逐渐成为新的研究热点，电铸镍方案是当前国内外X射线光学系统镜筒制造的主要技术方案.文章对电铸镍X射线光学系统制造工艺、国内外研制现状、未来应用需求进行了介绍和整理，梳理了电铸镍X射线光学系统研制遇到的关键技术和难点，提出了后续研究发展建议，以促进中国在 X射线脉冲星自主导航、空间探测领域的快速发展.     

Design study for a three-meter balloon-borne telescope for far infrared and submillimeter astronomy

A NASA supported design study is being carried out for a three-meter balloon-borne far infrared and submillimeter telescope. The goal of this project is to provide a facility for frequent flights for photometry, spectroscopy, and imaging in the spectral region 30 micrometers to 1 millimeter. It is intended to provide a scientific and technical step on the way to a large submillimeter telescope in space in the future. The study is concentrating on areas where technical advances are required: materials and fabrication techniques for lightweight primary mirrors, telescope and gondola structure, and pointing and stabilization. We are carrying out a design optimization and environmental test program of state-of-the-art carbon fiber reinforced plastic sandwich panels in collaboration with Dornier Systems. Similar efforts are being pursued for very lightweight molded glass mirrors. Innovative approaches to the telescope support and stabilization are being explored for achieving the required 1 arcsecond pointing stability.     

低能质子对卫星热控涂层太阳吸收率的影响

空间低能质子由于沉积能量在表层对卫星外露热控涂层太阳吸收率参数有较大影响,文章首次对地球同步轨道卫星6种热控涂层进行低能质子辐照试验研究,试件是S781有机白漆、SR107-ZK有机白漆、ACR-1有机白漆、OSR二次表面镜、F46二次表面镜和Kapton二次表面镜。试验采用能量48keV的质子,在真空条件下累积辐照360h,累计注量达到2×10~(15)p/cm~2。在辐照过程中原位测量热控涂层的太阳吸收率参数。这些热控涂层的太阳吸收率参数都有不同程度的明显上升。其中,有机白漆类热控涂层的太阳吸收率参数上升最快,其次是塑料薄膜类热控涂层(F46二次表面镜和Kapton二次表面镜),最稳定的是玻璃类热控涂层(OSR二次表面镜)。对试验前后试件的SEM分析和XPS分析表明,热控涂层中的颜料结构和聚合物结构在辐照下发生变化,形成不饱和链发色团和色心,使原来透明聚合物和高反射的颜料对太阳光产生吸收,从而引起热控涂层太阳吸收率参数上升。     

基于紫外纳米压印光刻的氟化混合物模板制备

不同特征尺度和不同周期的氟化混合物软复制模板通过使用硅主模板和紫外纳米压印光刻技术制备而成。与聚二甲基硅氧烷和其它聚合物材料比较,此处使用的光刻胶拥有优良的性能,比如优良的机械强度,低表面能和良好的热稳定性。在紫外和热纳米压印工艺中,主模板被用作印章。实验结果表明,转移到基底上的图案与主模板非常一致。所制备的氟化混合物复制模板不仅仅适合紫外纳米压印,也适用于热纳米压印,并且所加工的复制模板还被用于制备光电器件以实现传感、成像、探测、通信和数据存储等领域中的相关功能。     

基于自适应LMS算法的空间光束快速精扫描跟踪控制方法

针对空间精密光学领域与国防应用对高精度快速光束控制的需求，给出自适应最小均方（LMS）算法对压电快摆镜进行光束扫描跟踪控制。首先描述了自适应LMS控制算法及快摆镜模型辨识方法，随后仿真分析了不同频率及迭代步长对自适应LMS算法跟踪控制的影响，最后采用自适应LMS算法进行了压电快摆镜辨识及扫描跟踪控制实验。实验结果表明，自适应LMS算法对2Hz、10Hz及其复合谐波信号扫描的跟踪误差分别为2.5%(3σ)、1.9%(3σ)和2.4%(3σ)，控制效果均优于PI控制算法。这种自适应LMS算法能有效跟踪多频扫描信号，为高精度空间光束快速扫描跟踪提供了一种可靠的技术手段。     

AXAF,a permanent orbiting X-ray observatory: Telescope and instrumentation plans

The Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) now under study is to be a long-lived X-ray observatory in space. It is to be launched by the Space Shuttle, maintainable on-orbit, and retrievable for ground re-furbishment. The AXAF is conceived as an X-ray telescope with 6 nested grazing incidence X-ray mirrors (with a maximum aperture of 1.2 m) and interchangeable and replaceable focal plane instruments. The optics will provide 0.5 arcsecond imagery over a several arcminute field and somewhat reduced resolution over 1 degree in the X-ray band from 0.1 to 10 keV (1.2 to 120 A). The characteristics and expected performance of the observatory are described.     

天基X射线掠入射式成像望远镜发展现状

阐述了太阳X射线成像观测在空间天气预报中的地位和作用，叙述了掠入射式X射线聚焦成像的基本原理，简要介绍了在轨成功运行的天体X射线成像望远镜和太阳X射线成像望远镜的基本设计和技术指标，并介绍了国内正开发研制的专门服务于空间天气预报的太阳X射线成像望远镜基本设计和主要特点．     

Sensitivity analysis of test methods for aspheric off-axis mirrors

Following the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the next generation James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is being developed to be launched in a few years. JWST will be a segmented mirror telescope with a design much like that developed for ground-based telescopes over the past 20 years. Several segmented mirror telescopes are currently in operation, and next generation ground-based telescopes of the 30-m class are also being designed using segmented primary mirrors. Regardless of size, segmented primary mirror telescopes often require the use of aspheric segment mirrors. One of the key factors in fabrication of aspheric segment mirrors is feasibility of testing off-axis surfaces with high accuracy. A couple of test methods have been investigated for aspheric off-axis segments. As a case study, we apply these test methods to secondary segmented mirror models of the Giant Magellan Telescope. We derive required dimensions of test set-ups and assess sensitivity of optical alignment. Characteristics of the test methods are also discussed.     

深空探测器自主天文导航技术综述

在深空探测中,单独使用无线电测控存在精度、实时性、覆盖性等方面的限制。作为无线电测控的有效补充,自主天文导航是保证深空探测任务成功的关键技术之一。面向深空探测对自主天文导航的迫切需求,概述了深空探测器自主天文导航的基本原理,简要介绍了深空探测器自主天文导航的研究进展,并重点分析探讨了深空探测器自主天文导航的关键技术和发展趋势。分析结果可为我国未来深空探测器天文导航系统研制提供参考,并为深空探测任务的总体设计提供帮助。     

高分辨率立体测绘相机系统热控设计及验证

高分辨率立体测绘相机的光学系统及探测器的温度稳定性影响测绘相机的测绘精度。针对透射式光学系统,采用多级外热流抑制技术,使星相机透镜的温度稳定性提高了6倍;针对反射式光学系统,采用间接辐射式控温等热控技术,使主镜、次镜的温度稳定性达到±0.3℃;针对大功率电荷耦合元件（CCD）,采用基于环路热管（LHP）的节能型控温技术,在满足温度指标的前提下使环路热管驱动功率的周期平均值由60 W降低至33.8 W,同时节省约40%的主冷凝器面积及质量;针对CMOS,采用两级温度波动抑制技术,使其温度稳定性达到±0.3℃。研究了地面热试验的方法,报告了测绘相机系统关键部组件在极端空间环境下的在轨数据,全面验证了热控设计方法的正确性。     

航天器用新型聚酰亚胺薄膜性能研究

原子氧是低地球轨道环境中对航天器影响较为严重的因素之一. 为了提高聚酰亚胺薄膜抗原子氧侵蚀的性能, 依据结构与性能的关系, 设计合成了新型的聚酰亚胺薄膜. 采用这种新型聚酰亚胺薄膜制备了二次表面镜, 利用地面模拟设备对热控涂层进行原子氧暴露试验, 结果表明其具有优异的耐原子氧侵蚀性能. 此外, 真空elax-elax紫外、真空elax-elax质子、真空elax-elax电子辐照等空间环境模拟试验表明, 这种耐原子氧聚酰亚胺薄膜二次表面镜热控涂层具有良好的空间稳定性.      

探测复合材料层板基体裂纹的实验技术

介绍探测复合材料层板基体裂纹的三种实验技术:声波发射探测,超声波C扫描和复制带记录。在试验各阶段,应充分利用每种试验方法的优点,使每个试件比常规试验获取更多的试验数据,包括声波发射探测响应图,超声波对整个试件宽度扫描成像,以及沿着试件侧面厚度上的复制带获取图像。最初由声波发射显示试件加载期间基体裂纹的开始形成,通过超声波扫描能清晰分辨出第一条基体裂纹的出现;随着基体裂纹的发展,可综合应用三种实验技术,确定对基体断裂的评估。根据试验结果,对这三种实验技术作了评价。     

The TUS space fluorescence detector for study of UHECR and other phenomena of variable fluorescence light in the atmosphere

The Tracking Ultraviolet Set Up (TUS) instrument has been designed to observe from space the fluorescence light in the atmosphere when Extensive Air Shower (EAS) or other phenomena such as meteors or dust grains traverse it. The TUS design concepts will allow us to construct the next generation of fluorescence detectors with increasing light collection power and higher resolution. The KLYPVE instrument with collection power 5 times larger of the TUS will be the next space detector. Light collection is obtained with the help of segmented “low frequency Fresnel type” mirrors. Photo receiver retina in the focal consists of modules of PM tubes. For stable performance in conditions of variable light noise and variable temperature the tube type with a multi-alcali cathode was chosen. Voltage supplies for PMT in one module were designed for keeping the performance of photo receiver retina uniform when the tube gain change. From every tube the signal amplitude is recorded in time bins of 400 ns. The digital data are kept and analyzed in the module FPGA connected to the central FPGA controlling all data. The RAM memory is large, capable to record events with different duration of the light signal (up to several seconds). The preliminary event data are analyzed in the triggering system of the central FPGA. The trigger criteria have several options for events of different origin (different pixel signal duration). The trigger integration time is controlled from the space mission center. The performances of the detector were simulated and zenith angle dependent trigger efficiencies were calculated. The TUS detector will be efficient in recording “horizontal” EAS (zenith angles more than 60°), developed to their maximum above the cloud cover. The EAS Cherenkov light, back scattered from the cloud cover, will be recorded and will improve data on the EAS direction and position of maximum. For better accuracy in physical parameters of the events and for the experimental check of this accuracy the performance of two TUS detectors at the space platform was recommended. The accommodation of 2 TUS detectors at space platform of the “RESURS O” type was tried and approved. The TUS prototypes are being tested in the Mexican mountains. The photo receiver of two PM tubes with the TUS electronics on-board of the MSU Tatiana satellite is measuring the atmosphere light background.     

Degradation of thermal control materials under a simulated radiative space environment

A spacecraft with a passive thermal control system utilizes various thermal control materials to maintain temperatures within safe operating limits. Materials used for spacecraft applications are exposed to harsh space environments such as ultraviolet (UV) and particle (electron, proton) irradiation and atomic oxygen (AO), undergo physical damage and thermal degradation, which must be considered for spacecraft thermal design optimization and cost effectiveness. This paper describes the effect of synergistic radiation on some of the important thermal control materials to verify the assumptions of beginning-of-life (BOL) and end-of-life (EOL) properties. Studies on the degradation in the optical properties (solar absorptance and infrared emittance) of some important thermal control materials exposed to simulated radiative geostationary space environment are discussed. The current studies are purely related to the influence of radiation on the degradation of the materials; other environmental aspects (e.g., thermal cycling) are not discussed. The thermal control materials investigated herein include different kind of second-surface mirrors, white anodizing, white paints, black paints, multilayer insulation materials, varnish coated aluminized polyimide, germanium coated polyimide, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and poly tetra fluoro ethylene (PTFE). For this purpose, a test in the constant vacuum was performed reproducing a three year radiative space environment exposure, including ultraviolet and charged particle effects on North/South panels of a geostationary three-axis stabilized spacecraft. Reflectance spectra were measured in situ in the solar range (250–2500 nm) and the corresponding solar absorptance values were calculated. The test methodology and the degradations of the materials are discussed. The most important degradations among the low solar absorptance materials were found in the white paints whereas the rigid optical solar reflectors remained quite stable. Among the high solar absorptance elements, as such the change in the solar absorptance was very low, in particular the germanium coated polyimide was found highly stable.     

基于激光跟踪仪的多立方镜姿态标定方法

提出了使用激光跟踪仪测量系统对立方镜姿态进行测量的方法。首先,根据反射原理及平面镜光学成像原理对立方镜法线进行测量,然后建立立方镜的角度坐标系,并标定多个立方镜坐标系间的转换矩阵。通过单个立方镜姿态测量及2个立方镜间坐标系转换矩阵标定的实验,验证了方法的可行性。实验结果表明,最大标定误差优于5″,满足测量精度的要求。     

Removing orbital debris with lasers

Orbital debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) are now sufficiently dense that the use of LEO space is threatened by runaway collision cascading. A problem predicted more than thirty years ago, the threat from debris larger than about 1 cm demands serious attention. A promising proposed solution uses a high power pulsed laser system on the Earth to make plasma jets on the objects, slowing them slightly, and causing them to re-enter and burn up in the atmosphere. In this paper, we reassess this approach in light of recent advances in low-cost, light-weight modular design for large mirrors, calculations of laser-induced orbit changes and in design of repetitive, multi-kilojoules lasers, that build on inertial fusion research. These advances now suggest that laser orbital debris removal (LODR) is the most cost-effective way to mitigate the debris problem. No other solutions have been proposed that address the whole problem of large and small debris. A LODR system will have multiple uses beyond debris removal. International cooperation will be essential for building and operating such a system.     

新型复合多视场光学敏感器及其导航方法

基于利用四面镜结构实现的复合多视场光学敏感器,给出了一种高精度天文导航方法,即通过四面镜同时观测地球、导航星和折射星,利用卫星、地球、恒星之间的位置关系,实现自主导航。通过研究导航量测信息的获取途径,给出了复合多视场光学敏感器的5种实用工作方式。结合卡尔曼滤波算法,建立了自主天文导航的仿真模型,并对5种工作方式进行了仿真与比较。仿真结果表明:双组直接敏感地平与单组间接敏感地平结合的导航方式精度最高,位置精度达到了10 m量级。      

In-orbit operation and performance of the CubeSat Soft X-ray polarimeter PolarLight

PolarLight is a compact soft X-ray polarimeter onboard a CubeSat, which was launched into a low-Earth orbit on October 29, 2018. In March 2019, PolarLight started full operation, and since then, regular observations with the Crab nebula, Sco X-1, and background regions have been conducted. Here we report the operation, calibration, and performance of PolarLight in the orbit. Based on these, we discuss how one can run a low-cost, shared CubeSat for space astronomy, and how CubeSats can play a role in modern space astronomy for technical demonstration, science observations, and student training.     

Advances in auroral imaging from space

Space imaging of the aurora provides unique quantitative information on the instantaneous global distribution and pattern of the aurora - a direct result of particle acceleration and precipitation processes occurring throughout the magnetosphere. Techniques for imaging from space have usually involved systematically scanning a detector across the earth using some combination of satellite motion and spin, scanning mirrors, and/or electronic scanning. The recent advent of CCD image sensor arrays opens up possibilities for vastly improved sensitivity and resolution in satellite imagers, although scanning systems retain significant advantages in situations where scattered light is a problem and where narrow band optical interference filters are needed.A new type of imaging instrument being built in Canada for the Swedish Viking satellite will employ a two-dimensional CCD array detector which is fibre-optically coupled to a micro-channel plate intensifier. It will produce images of low light level auroral emissions at the rate of one image per spin of the satellite (20 seconds). The instrument operates in the vacuum ultraviolet and uses a fast inverse Cassegrain optical system. Charge is shifted in the CCD imaging array in synchronism with the moving image so that exposure times of approximately one second will be achieved.