Development of a novel space X-ray telescope based on micromachining technologies

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High sensitivity space X-ray observations need a large-aperture X-ray telescope. We invented and have been developing a novel space X-ray telescope based on micro machining technologies. Our method utilizes side walls of micropores made in a thin wafer for X-ray mirrors. A typical wafer thickness is hundreds micro meters, while the width of the micropore is tens micro meters. We verified X-ray reflection and imaging with this method for the first time in the world. In this research, we have succeeded to improve resolution and reflectivity with single-stage sample optics and to fabricate a 2-stage X-ray telescope. We also have verified a new process to coat the micropores with heavy metal and fabricated a 12-inch optic, which is to our knowledge the largest micropore optics ever fabricated. Furthermore, we have studied and proposed an X-ray imaging spectrometer using this telescope for future space missions.