Title: 

VETA-I X-ray Detection System

Authors:

Podgorski, W. A.; Flanagan, K. A.; Freeman, M. D.; Goddard, R. E.; Kellogg, E. M.; Norton, T. J.; Oullette, J. P.; Roy, A. G.; Schwartz, D. A.

Affiliation:

AI (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, MA) 

Journal:

In: Multilayer and grazing incidence X-ray/EUV optics for astronomy and projection lithography; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, July 19-22, 1992 (A93-39601 15-74), p. 40-54. (SPIE Homepage)

Publication Date:

01/1993

Category:

Instrumentation and Photography 

Origin:

STI NASA/STI Keywords:

IMAGE RESOLUTION, TEST FACILITIES, X RAY ASTROPHYSICS FACILITY, X RAY DETECTORS, X RAY IMAGERY, X RAY TELESCOPES, GAMMA RAY OBSERVATORY, HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE, INSTRUMENT COMPENSATION, NASA SPACE PROGRAMS, PERFORMANCE TESTS

Bibliographic Code:

1993 SPIE.1742...40P


Abstract

The alignment and X-ray imaging performance of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) Verification Engineering Test Article-I(VETA-I) was measured by the VETA-I X-Ray Detection System (VXDS). The VXDS was based on the X-ray detection system utilized in the AXAF Technology Mirror Assembly (TMA) program, upgraded to meet the more stringent requirements of the VETA-I test program. The VXDS includes two types of X-ray detectors: (1) a High Resolution Imager (HRI) which provides X-ray imaging capabilities; and (2) sealed and flow proportional counters which, in conjunction with apertures of various types and precision translation stages, provide the most accurate measurement of VETA-I performance. Herein we give an overview of the VXDS hardware including X-ray detectors, translation stages, apertures, proportional counters and flow counter gas supply system and associated electronics. We also describe the installation of the VXDS into the Marshall Space Flight Central (MSFC) X-Ray Calibration Facility (XRCF). We discuss in detail the design and performance of those elements of the VXDS which have not been discussed elsewhere; translation systems, flow counter gas supply system, apertures and thermal monitoring system.