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Future X-ray telescopes aim for large effective area within the given mass limits of the launcher. A promising method
is the hot shaping of thin glass sheets via a thermal slumping process. This paper presents the status and progress of
the indirect glass slumping technology developed at the Max-Planck-Institut for extraterrestrial Physics (MPE). Recent
developments in our research include the use of the mould material Cesic under vacuum, as well as the fabrication of a
high-precision slumping mould, which meets the requirements of large, high angular resolution missions like
ATHENA. We describe the way forward to optimise the slumping process on these materials, the force-free
integration concept and its progress, as well as the first test on reflective coating application.
Previously used mirror technologies are not able to fulfill the challenging
requirements of future X-ray telescopes. A promising new technology under
development is the hot slumping of thin glasses. Challenges, design trades and
first results are presented, including the thermal shaping process, the
development of low stress coatings and the mirror segments integration concept.
Indirect glass slumping of grazing incidence mirror segments for lightweight x-ray telescopes
(2017)
The paper provides a description of recent progress in the development of lightweight, precision and highthroughput
grazing-incidence mirrors for X-ray astronomy made of glass. In particular, the indirect slumping
technology under investigation at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) is reviewed and
recent activities are presented together with the research approach. The glass slumping technique foresees
several steps: a thermal forming process using a suitable mould; a re
ective layer application; the alignment
and integration of mirror segments into a supporting structure; and the nal verication of prototype modules
using X-rays. Each step is considered at MPE, with the involvement of partner institutes and universities. The
last year of activities was mainly dedicated to the procurement of new moulds and to the application of Iridium
coating. The main results will be presented.