@inproceedings{ErmilovaHertwigDoehringetal.2024, author = {Ermilova, Elena and Hertwig, Andreas and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Stanik, Eva and Cotroneo, Vincenzo and Gibertini, Eugenio}, title = {Ellipsometrical characterization of poly-dopamine layers considered for technical applications}, series = {Proceedings of SPIE}, volume = {2024}, booktitle = {Proceedings of SPIE}, number = {13013}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3015281}, pages = {1301309-1 -- 1301309-8}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Although the organic molecule dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is commonly known as the "hormone of happiness", thin films of poly-dopamine also have interesting technical properties. When produced by dip coating, the self-organizing layers grow in a reproducible thickness of single or multiple molecule monolayers of a few nanometer thickness only. In this work, we introduce a method of determining the layer thickness of poly-dopamine on mirrors for astronomical X-ray telescopes. This work is based on spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements and involves the development of an optical model for the poly-dopamine layers including the dielectric function. Thereby the complex refractive index of the produced layers was determined, covering the range from the ultraviolet to the near infrared spectral region. These measurement results and the corresponding technical challenges are presented in this contribution. Furthermore, an outlook to potential technical applications of this interesting material is given and poly-dopamine layers will make scientist and engineers hopefully happy as an innovative and fascinating technical solution for the future.}, subject = {D{\"u}nne Schicht}, language = {en} } @misc{StanikDoehringZeisingetal.2024, author = {Stanik, Eva and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Zeising, Sebastian and Meißner, Martin}, title = {An astronomy event at Aschaffenburg University to attract future engineering students}, series = {18th INTEGRAL/BART Workshop}, volume = {2024}, journal = {18th INTEGRAL/BART Workshop}, organization = {TH Aschaffenburg}, pages = {1 -- 1}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In 2023 the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German organization for science communication "Wissenschaft im Dialog" (German for: Science in dialogue) jointly proclaimed a "Science Year" with the motto "Our Universe". One of the numerous events that have been supported thereby has been that of the project "Zirkus UNI-versum" (in English: "Circus UNI-verse"), which took place in summer 2023 at Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences. Two school classes from the local high school "Kronberg-Gymnasium" first experienced an interactive astronomy lecture including a planetarium star show in a tent. Another highlight was the rocket car race in front of the cafeteria and the exclusive launch of a water rocket on the campus green. After the collective countdown, it reached a height of around eighty meters and thus rose higher than all the trees and buildings on the campus site. For their own exploration of the night sky the pupils obtained small cardboard star maps to assemble themselves as a homework. On the summer evenings of the following school holidays, they certainly observed the sky with a different point of view and, above all, with expert knowledge. The event has given them interesting impressions of Aschaffenburg Technical University as an attractive local education facility. The project "Zirkus UNI-versum" - and other activities for schools - intend to stimulate the interest of pupils in STEM subjects and to attract future engineering students.}, subject = {Astronomie}, language = {en} } @article{DoehringStanikZeisingetal.2025, author = {D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Stanik, Eva and Zeising, Sebastian and Meissner, Martin}, title = {Astronomy events at Aschaffenburg University to attract future students}, series = {Acta Polytecnica}, volume = {2025}, journal = {Acta Polytecnica}, number = {65 (1)}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2025}, abstract = {In 2023, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German organisation for science communication "Wissenschaft im Dialog" jointly proclaimed a "Science Year 2023" in Germany with the motto "Our Universe". One of the numerous events that have been supported has been that of the project "Zirkus UNI-versum", which took place in summer 2023 at Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences. This project, and other activities for schools, intend to stimulate the interest of pupils in STEM subjects and to attract future engineering students.}, subject = {Astronomie}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StanikDoehringPregleretal.2024, author = {Stanik, Eva and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Pregler, Jan and K{\"a}tker, Anna and Busch, Uwe and Friedrich, Peter}, title = {A visitor experiment on astronomical X-ray optics for the "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen-Museum"}, series = {AXRO 2024 - 15th International Conference on Astronomical X-Ray Optics}, volume = {2024}, booktitle = {AXRO 2024 - 15th International Conference on Astronomical X-Ray Optics}, organization = {TH Aschaffenburg}, pages = {1 -- 1}, year = {2024}, abstract = {The "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgenmuseum" in Remscheid is the unique institution worldwide that researches and documents the life and work of the first Nobel Prize winner, Wilhelm Conrad R{\"o}ntgen, and the effects of his discovery of X-rays. As an integral part of the museum, the R{\"o}Lab laboratory offers visitors the opportunity to gain practical experience in X-rays, optics and technology through own experiments. As part of a joint development project, students from Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences are currently designing a visitor experiment on astronomical X-ray optics for the museum laboratory. An optical set-up with visible light illustrate the focusing principle of X-ray telescopes, e.g. for wide-angle optics based on the lobster-eye principle. Display boards explain the optics of various types of telescopes with accompanying text and corresponding illustrations. Modern X-ray observatories such as CHANDRA, XMM-Newton and eROSITA are presented clearly. Once implemented, the new visitor experiment inside the "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgenmuseum" intend to inspire young researchers for the fascinating world of X-ray optics and X-ray astronomy.}, subject = {Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen-Museum}, language = {en} } @incollection{KhropostRiethmuellerStaniketal.2025, author = {Khropost, Diana and Riethm{\"u}ller, Franziska and Stanik, Eva and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Hertwig, Andreas and Huelague, Deniz}, title = {Polydopamine - a bionic material and its potential applications for batteries}, series = {MaterialsWeek 2025 - Book of Abstracts}, booktitle = {MaterialsWeek 2025 - Book of Abstracts}, publisher = {Deutsche Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Materialkunde e.V. (DGM)}, address = {Sankt Augustin}, isbn = {978-3-88355-446-4}, pages = {67 -- 67}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Polydopamine (PDA) recently came into focus as an innovative material for applications in various technical fields, especially in the energy field it is considered for batteries as well as for supercapacitors. It is a very strong glue that sticks on almost everything, even under water: In nature, PDA is found in the byssal thread cuticles of mussels. The wet-resistant adhesion ability of PDA can be used in the treatment of separator membranes in batteries, but furthermore PDA is also considered as an electrode material for batteries. We have investigated thin layers of poly-dopamine with different methods including ellipsometry, tactile measurements of the layer thickness and in situ absorption measurements during the polymerization process.}, subject = {Iridium}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{RivoltaBassoCivitanietal.2022, author = {Rivolta, Giacomo and Basso, Stefano and Civitani, Marta Maria and Cotroneo, Vincenzo and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Michler, Willy-Leopold and Pareschi, Giovanni and Spiga, Daniele and Stollenwerk, Manfred}, title = {Upgrade of a laboratory X-ray diffractometer to extend its operating range towards soft energies}, series = {Proceedings of SPIE}, volume = {2022}, booktitle = {Proceedings of SPIE}, number = {12181}, publisher = {SPIE}, organization = {Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera}, issn = {0277-786X}, doi = {doi: 10.1117/12.2629940}, pages = {121814S-1 -- 121814s-7}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The optical properties of X-ray mirror samples are commonly measured using diffractometers based on laboratory sources; like the Bede D1 diffractometer operating at INAF-OAB. This instrument can generate a collimated X-ray beam up to 60 keV, even though the most interesting energy region for x-ray astronomy applications is usually below 10 keV. In the softest part of this range (below 6 keV), high X-ray absorption in air hinders a full and precise characterization of optical components. In this work, we present an upgrade of the Bede D1 diffractometer that extends the operative range of the instrument below 6 keV; this is done by maximizing the flux at lowest energies and by reducing absorption by means of a helium-rich atmosphere. The upgraded instrument will be used for the tests of X-ray mirrors with innovative soft X-ray coatings, with potential application to the next generation X-ray telescopes (such as ATHENA and eXTP).}, subject = {R{\"o}ntgenspiegel}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StanikPreglerDoehringetal.2025, author = {Stanik, Eva and Pregler, Jan and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and K{\"a}tker, Anna and Busch, Uwe and Friedrich, Peter}, title = {A visitor experiment on astronomical x-ray optics for the "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgenmuseum"}, series = {EUV and X-ray Optics: Synergy between Laboratory and Space IX}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {EUV and X-ray Optics: Synergy between Laboratory and Space IX}, number = {13531}, editor = {Hudec, Ren{\´e} and Pina, Ladislav}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {10.1117/12.3056291}, pages = {135310M-1 -- 135310M-7}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen-Museum" in Remscheid (Germany) is the unique institution worldwide that researches and documents the life and work of the first Nobel Prize winner in physics, Wilhelm Conrad R{\"o}ntgen, and the effects of his discovery of X-rays. As an integral part of the museum, the R{\"o}Lab laboratory offers visitors the opportunity to gain practical experience in X-rays, optics and technology through own experiments. As part of a joint development project, students from Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences are currently designing a visitor experiment on astronomical X-ray optics for the museum´s R{\"o}ntgen laboratory. An optical set-up with visible light illustrates the focusing principle of X-ray telescopes, e. g. for wide-angle optics based on the lobster-eye principle. Display boards explain the optics of various types of telescopes with accompanying text and corresponding illustrations. Modern X-ray observatories such as CHANDRA, XMM-Newton and eROSITA are presented clearly. Once implemented, the new visitor experiment inside the "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen-Museum" aims to inspire young researchers with enthusiasm for the fascinating world of X-ray optics and X-ray astronomy.}, subject = {Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen-Museum}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HudecStieglitzDoehringetal.2025, author = {Hudec, Rene and Stieglitz, Veronika and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Friedrich, Peter and Burwitz, Vadim}, title = {Novel X-ray optics developed within the AHEAD2020 project}, publisher = {DGaO}, organization = {TH Aschaffenburg}, pages = {1 -- 1}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We present a summary of our contribution to the EU Horizon 2020 project AHEAD2020, with emphasis on the X-ray optics work package. The Czech Technical University - together with other collaborating institutes - studied innovative Lobster Eye (LE) and Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) X-ray modules, based on the Multi Foil Optics technology (MFO). In addition, two major events were organized, namely a students workshop in December 2023 and a summer school in May 2024. The KB optics represents a promising and cost effective alternative to the currently used Wolter I telescopes. The LE X-ray optics, based on the Schmidt design, has a wide field of view (FOV) with a short focal length, making it suitable for CubeSat application. Thereby the 2D LE optics consist of two orthogonal sub-modules of flat smooth reflecting foils, each sub-modules focuses in one direction. The advantage of such optics is that it preserves the angular resolution throughout the FOV even for off-axis points, as demonstrated by simulations and measurements. There was a collaboration with Aschaffenburg University in design, development, and testing of the double LE module HORUS, comparing different reflecting coatings.}, subject = {R{\"o}ntgenoptik}, language = {en} } @article{KronebergerStanikDoehring2025, author = {Kroneberger, Monika and Stanik, Eva and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten}, title = {Parameter optimization for the infrared curing process of powder coatings using the NAPUBEST prototype and optical simulations}, series = {EPJ Web of Conferences}, volume = {335}, journal = {EPJ Web of Conferences}, editor = {El Gawhary, O. and Witte, S. and Moreno, I.}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, issn = {2100-014X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202533503035}, pages = {1 -- 2}, year = {2025}, abstract = {In line with the energy transition, it is desirable to replace fossil fuels in the curing process of industrial powder coatings. Infrared heating is the considered method here. IR-emitter arrangement in the reflective heating chamber, their geometry and the dwell time of the components are crucial for a successful and efficient process. Process optimization has to consider the optical parameter variation of the powder coating during the procedure. Measurements in the NAPUBEST prototype are compared with optical simulations of the setup to get the simulation parameters in agreement with reality and to provide a foundation for the layout of industrial processes.}, subject = {Pulverlack}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HudecStieglitzDoehringetal.2025, author = {Hudec, Rene and Stieglitz, Veronika and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Friedrich, Peter and Burwitz, Vadim}, title = {Novel X-ray optics developed within the AHEAD2020 project}, series = {DGaO-Proceedings}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {DGaO-Proceedings}, number = {126}, publisher = {DGaO}, organization = {Czech Technical University in Prague}, issn = {1614-8436}, pages = {1 -- 2}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We present a summary of our contribution to the EU Horizon 2020 project AHEAD2020, with emphasis on the X-ray optics work package. The Czech Technical University - together with other collaborating institutes - studied innovative Lobster Eye and Kirkpatrick-Baez X-ray modules, based on the Multi Foil Optics technology. In addition, a student's workshop in December 2023 and a summer school in May 2024 were organized within the project.}, subject = {R{\"o}ntgenoptik}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StanikPreglerDoehringetal.2025, author = {Stanik, Eva and Pregler, Jan and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and K{\"a}tker, Anna and Busch, Uwe and Friedrich, Peter}, title = {A visitor experiment on astronomical X-ray optics for the "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen Museum"}, series = {Proceedings of SPIE}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {Proceedings of SPIE}, number = {13531}, publisher = {SPIE}, organization = {Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg}, pages = {1 -- 1}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen Museum" in Remscheid is the unique institution worldwide that researches and documents the life and work of the first Nobel Prize winner in physics, Wilhelm Conrad R{\"o}ntgen and the effects of his discovery of X rays. As an integral part of the museum, the R{\"o}Lab laboratory offers visitors the opportunity to gain practical experience in X rays, optics and technology through own experiments. As part of a joint development project, students from Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences are currently designing a visitor experiment on astronomical X ray optics for the museum laboratory.}, subject = {Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen-Museum}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{StanikDoehringReesetal.2025, author = {Stanik, Eva and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Rees, Paul and Kroneberger, Monika and Stanik, Martin}, title = {Infrared heating for a sustainable powder coating technology}, series = {DGaO-Proceedings}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {DGaO-Proceedings}, number = {126}, publisher = {DGaO}, organization = {TH Aschaffenburg}, issn = {1614-8436}, pages = {1 -- 2}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Industrial processes need to be transformed into sustainable alternatives. For powder coatings, which traditionally rely on gas or oil heating systems, infrared radiation can deliver the required process heat. The aim of the NAPUBEST project is to evaluate the possibilities of infrared radiation in the powder coating process. In our laboratory, we realized a prototype of an IR oven for test measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{CotroneoBassoCivitanietal.2025, author = {Cotroneo, Vicenzo and Basso, Stefano and Civitani, Marta and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Gibertini, Eugenio and Iovenitti, Simone and Magagnin, Luca and Pareschi, Giovanni and Sironi, Giorgia and Spiga, Daniele and Tagliaferri, Gianpiero and Valsecchi, Giuseppe}, title = {Polydopamine Coatings for Enhanced Soft X-Ray Reflectivity in Space Telescope Mirrors}, series = {ECS Meeting Abstracts}, volume = {MA2025-02}, journal = {ECS Meeting Abstracts}, number = {67}, publisher = {The Electrochemical Society}, issn = {2151-2043}, doi = {10.1149/MA2025-02673247mtgabs}, pages = {3247 -- 3247}, year = {2025}, abstract = {It has been known for years that sputtered low-density coatings deposited under vacuum (e.g. carbon or B4C), applied on top of high-density metallic coatings, can enhance their reflectivity in the soft X-ray band (below ~5 keV). However, the physical deposition techniques, as vacuum-based sputtering, to produce B4C or amorphous coatings are usually difficult and highly costing. Polydopamine (PDA), a bio-polymer inspired by mussels, exhibits exceptional surface binding and it's nowadays a popular material used in surface engineering for multipurpose applications (Ryu, 2018). PDA thin film are typically produced in aqueous solution by the oxidative polymerization of dopamine, commonly known as one of the "hormones of happiness", resulting in nanometric PDA coating with tunable thickness and morphology. In recent years, we have introduced and investigated a novel and scalable strategy for enhancing the soft X-ray reflectivity of telescope mirrors used in space missions based on dip-liquid deposition of PDA thin films as carbon-rich coating (carbon 62.7 \%wt. in DA monomer) (Cotroneo, 2022). This method is very versatile and quick and offers a low-cost alternative to conventional carbon-like coating, while maintaining or even exceeding performance in the energy range below ~5 keV. Experimental tests across three X-ray beamlines—including two synchrotron facilities—demonstrated consistent reflectivity enhancement, especially in the 1-4 keV energy range and with a good match between theoretical predictions and experimental reflectivity profiles. When applied over traditional coatings (e.g Au, Ir), the dip-liquid overcoats produced improvements of up to 100\% in effective area for some specific X-ray bands compared to conventional single-metal films. These results are particularly compelling for nickel-replicated mirrors with gold coatings, a common architecture in cost-sensitive space missions. Bibliography Cotroneo, V., 2022. Dopamine dip-liquid overcoatings for soft x-ray reflectivity enhancement. SPIE Proceedings. Ryu, J. H., 2018. Polydopamine Surface Chemistry: A Decade of Discovery. ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces.}, subject = {R{\"o}ntgenteleskop}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BuschMichelsKaetkeretal.2025, author = {Busch, Uwe and Michels, Marcel and K{\"a}tker, Anna and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Stanik, Eva}, title = {Historical X ray images selected for UNESCO's Memory of the World Register}, volume = {16}, publisher = {16th International Conference on Astronomical X-ray Optics}, address = {Prag}, organization = {Deutsches R{\"o}ntgenmuseum Remscheid}, pages = {1 -- 1}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen Museum" in Remscheid (Germany) is the institution that uniquely and comprehensively explores and documents the life and work of Wilhelm Conrad R{\"o}ntgen and the impact of his discovery. It preserves a collection of X- ray images taken by W. C. R{\"o}ntgen during his research. Among them are three images of R{\"o}ntgen's own hands and those of his wife, Anna Bertha. Three more images show R{\"o}ntgen's hunting rifle, which he was able to analyze internally by using the new X ray technology. These two series of historical pictures from the years 1895 and 1896 provide an outstanding illustration of the scientific revolution that R{\"o}ntgen's discovery triggered especially in medicine and in materials science. Therefore, his discovery of X-rays ranks among the most groundbreaking scientific achievements of modern times. In April 2025 those very first recorded X ray photographs were added on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The corresponding public ceremony took place on September 10 2025 in R{\"o}ntgen ´ s birth town Remscheid. Representatives of the German UNESCO Commission, of politics, and of the German R{\"o}ntgen Society were present UNESCO is thus honoring not only R{\"o}ntgen's groundbreaking discovery of X rays, but also the cultural, scientific, and technological implications of his early radiographs. The "Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen Museum" presents six famous historical X-ray documents to the public, which are now part of UNESCO ´ s Memory of the World Register.}, subject = {Deutsches R{\"o}ntgen-Museum}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DoehringKrivanekovaHildenbrand2025, author = {D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Krivanekova, Lucia and Hildenbrand, Georg}, title = {ASTRABAX - Scientific results of two stratospheric balloon flights}, series = {18th Pico- and Nanosatellite Workshop 2025, Abstracts Book}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {18th Pico- and Nanosatellite Workshop 2025, Abstracts Book}, publisher = {Julius-Maximilians-Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, address = {W{\"u}rzburg}, organization = {TH Aschaffenburg}, pages = {17 -- 17}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The ASTRABAX experiment ("Aschaffenburg Stratospheric Balloon Experiment") uses a multimodal platform to study radiation exposures in the upper atmosphere. We present a modular approach to accommodate the numerous setups under the weight restriction of light unmanned free stratospheric balloon. The compartmental setup allows flexibility to address current research questions with low expenditure in costs, manpower and technology expertise. Its easy implementation is suitable for educational purposes of students in the fields of astronomy, astrobiology, and material research. Recently, two stratospheric balloons were flown to test the feasibility and connectivity of different building blocks in a temperature-controlled gondola, and to characterize the stratospheric radiation environment.The focus of the physical experiments is the observation of the UV-C spectral region using miniature UV-VIS spectrometers, and cosmic ray dosimetry with a Geiger counter. A second set of experiments assesses the effects of irradiation on polydopamine coatings intended for the application in space-born X-ray telescopes. The platform also contains samples of biological cells that are simultaneously exposed to low-dose radiation of different compositions of particle, X-ray and UV radiation. Post-flight nanoscopic measurements aim to examine changes in the spatial chromatin organization playing a crucial role in DNA-repair mechanisms. Investigations in such natural environment are of importance for high altitude atmospheric as well as space flights, for comparable exposures on other objects of the solar system and for astrobiology.}, subject = {Stratosph{\"a}ren-Ballon}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HudecDoehring2025, author = {Hudec, Rene and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten}, title = {Astrophysical and scientific payloads for CubeSats}, series = {18th Pico- and Nanosatellite Workshop 2025, Abstracts Book}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {18th Pico- and Nanosatellite Workshop 2025, Abstracts Book}, publisher = {Julius-Maximilians-Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, address = {W{\"u}rzburg}, organization = {Czech Technical University in Prague}, pages = {12 -- 12}, year = {2025}, abstract = {For scientific and commercial applications, CubeSats enable cost-effective missions and significantly reduce the time between mission concept and launch compared to classical large satellites. Since 2000, there has been an accelerating increase in CubeSat launches, which in turn is expected to drive up the demand for dedicated optical instruments, especially in commercially relevant areas like high-resolution optics for earth observation. We present some studies and ideas of application of CubeSats mainly in the field of astronomy and astrophysics elaborated and studied at the Czech Technical University in Prague in collaboration with Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences. These includes single CubeSats as well as tandem CubeSat constellations. These miniature satellites can carry miniature scientific payloads for high-energy observations of both astrophysical objects as well as targets in high earth atmosphere. The examples include miniature X-ray and UV telescopes monitors and cameras, but also optical and NIR payloads. Due to the recent progress in satellite control engineering, tandem flight arrangements of mini-satellites are currently in discussion and under consideration for future space missions. CubeSat technologies offer an interesting possibility for space-born telescope payloads based on this approach. In such scenario, two small satellites will fly at a constant distance of a few meters up to 100 meters. Thereby, the front satellite will carry the telescope optics and the second satellite the detector system. The tandem flight arrangements are crucial for design of space telescopes with larger focal distances exceeding the typical sizes of small satellites.}, subject = {Kleinsatellit}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DoehringHudec2025, author = {D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Hudec, Rene}, title = {One decade of joint Bavarian-Czech projects on astronomical X-ray optics}, volume = {2025}, number = {16}, publisher = {16th International Conference on Astronomical X-ray Optics}, address = {Prag}, organization = {TH Aschaffenburg}, pages = {1 -- 1}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Since ten years, Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences and the Czech technical university in Prague are now cooperating. During the recent decade, eleven joint projects have been executed, mainly targeting the development of astronomical X-ray optics. The bilateral cooperation also included the exchange of PhD students and scientists, cost compensation for conference participations, and the sponsoring of scientific conferences (AXRO and IBWS). The scientific output up to date are more than twenty joint publications and many individual conference contributions of the project partners in addition. The Bavarian-Czech Academic Agency (BTHA) has funded all of these projects. It is the goal of the Bavarian-Czech Academic Agency to support the academic collaboration in research and education and to contribute to an increased cooperation of the two neighbored countries Bavaria and Czech Republic in general. We will give a review on one decade of our Bavarian-Czech cooperation and on the scientific results of our joint projects on astronomical X-ray optics.}, subject = {R{\"o}ntgenoptik}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KhropostRiethmuellerDoehringetal.2025, author = {Khropost, Diana and Riethm{\"u}ller, Franziska and D{\"o}hring, Thorsten and Flachs, Dennis and H{\"u}lag{\"u}, Deniz and Hertwig, Andreas and Cotroneo, Vincenzo and Gibertini, Eugenio}, title = {Polydopamine: a bio-inspired polymer for X-ray mirror coatings and other technical applications}, series = {EUV and X-ray Optics: Synergy between Laboratory and Space IX}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {EUV and X-ray Optics: Synergy between Laboratory and Space IX}, number = {13531}, editor = {Hudec, Ren{\´e} and Pina, Ladislav}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {10.1117/12.3056298}, pages = {135310H-1 -- 135310H-11}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Although the organic molecule dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is commonly known as one of the "hormones of happiness", thin polymer films of polydopamine (PDA) also have interesting technical properties. PDA is a very strong glue that sticks on almost everything, even under water. In nature, PDA is found in the byssal thread cuticles of mussels. When produced by dip-coating, the self-organizing PDA layers grow in a reproducible thickness of single or multiple molecule monolayers of a few nanometres thickness only. Here we present an optimized preparation regime as derived from polymerization analysis through absorption spectroscopy. One application is the use of thin PDA overcoatings to increase the soft X-ray reflectivity of astronomical X-ray mirrors. Furthermore, we give an outlook to other technical applications for this interesting material, presenting this bio-inspired organic polymer as an innovative technical solution for the future, with applications such as PDA-based super-capacitors and its promising role in enhancing separator materials for batteries.}, subject = {R{\"o}ntgenspiegel}, language = {en} }