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Kenneth Buffo – University of Iowa

Kenneth Buffo – University of Iowa

Student: Kenneth Buffo, Graduate Student in Physics, University of Iowa

Research Mentor: Casey DeRoo

Characterizing Thin-film Adjustable X-ray Optics With Optical Interferometry

The Astrophysics Division of NASA’s SMD emphasizes the development of precision X-ray optics to study the hot X-ray emitting plasma associated with faint celestial sources. Additionally, modern diffraction-limited storage rings and X-ray free-electron laser beamlines have enabled extremely bright and coherent X-ray beams that require precisely shaped optics focus these beamlines so as to not degrade their performance. This research project will mature the readiness of adjustable X-ray optics for use in astronomy and X-ray beamlines. This technology will enable the production of thin mirrors without compromising their focusing capability. These mirrors employ a set of discrete, thin-film piezoelectric actuators that when supplied a set of voltages induce a deterministic figure change to the mirror. This can correct for a variety of distortions and improve mirror angular resolution. This project will include designing an electronic control system and optical alignment configuration to test adjustable mirrors of different geometries and actuator materials. Interferometry will be used to measure the surface correctability of these mirrors on the scale of nanometers. Different optimization techniques will be explored to understand how to better calculate the voltages necessary to induce figure changes that yields the best angular resolution.

2024-2025, Graduate