Design, optimization, and simulation of a silicon pore optics-based X-ray interferometer

Abstract

X-ray interferometry (XRI) is a promising technique for ultra-high resolution X-ray imaging. However, a major limitation of a regular design is the long length of the interferometer, which makes it virtually impossible to fit in a single spacecraft. The Willingale XRI design reduced the length by several orders of magnitude with the introduction of a slatted mirror. We propose to parallelize the interferometer using silicon pore optics (SPO). We show that SPO technology, currently being used to fabricate mirrors for ESA’s upcoming NewAthena space mission, can be used for XRI and benefit by starting at a higher technology readiness level. We provide a detailed design description of Willingale XRI and combine it with SPO along with an optimization approach. Further, we apply the optimization approach for a Willingale’s XRI testbed. The optimized design is checked with a ray optics simulation. Furthermore, we report successful fabrication of a slatted mirror manufacturing prototype. The optimized design and fabrication of a slatted mirror manufacturing prototype will serve as a first step toward building an XRI testbed for the demonstration of X-ray interference fringes that would demonstrate the feasibility of a Willingale type XRI.