State-of-the-Art X-ray Grazing Incidence Optics

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is hereby soliciting information from potential industrial sources pertaining to the development of state-of-the-art X-ray grazing incidence optics in a conventional Wolter-I Optical system (i.e. mirrors, optical mounts) using space qualified optical materials with demonstrated precision manufacturing and alignment capability that can ultimately achieve arc-sec angular resolution in a relative space environment. 

NASA MSFC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for the development of high performing X-ray grazing incidence segmented optics and precision optical mounts in a conventional Wolter-I configuration capable of achieving arc-second angular resolution performance in a relative space environment.

NASA MSFC solicits information from the industrial community pertaining to state-of-the-art X-ray grazing incident segmented optics for space applications, specifically of interest is industrial capability to design, manufacture, integrate, align, and test of segmented glass X-ray optics. 

MSFC seeks this information to identify a potential supplier for X-ray mirrors (parabolic (P) & hyperbola (H) prescription summary shown in Table 1 and dimensions as shown below in Fig.1), mounting, and optical alignment in a conventional Wolter I optical configuration. The potential supplier should have the capability to meet the following:

Critical parameters:

• measurement capability of grazing incidence segmented optics to quantify figure error and surface roughness: figure/shape reconstructions from profile measurements, with accuracy of 0.1 arcsecond, and surface roughness measurement capability with an accuracy of 0.1 nm RMS,
• polishing and super-polishing processes for grazing incidence segmented optics capable of achieving 0.3 nm RMS roughness and 1 arcsecond angular resolution,
• capability to measure and reduce mid-spatial frequency error down to 0.5 nm RMS,
• capability to apply surface coating to mirrors (type of coatings under consideration: gold, platinum, or iridium),
• optical assembly and integration capability and expertise with space qualified adhesive bonds,
• experience with X-ray measurement procedures and access to X-ray measurement facility that can obtain and quantify the point-spread-function (PSF) of the aligned P&H mirror pair, and
• access to an operational facility capable of optical alignment of a Wolter optics assembly with ~1 arcsecond precision. 

See attached for Table 1 - Telescope Prescription Summary and Fig. 2 P & H Mirror Dimensions

High-spatial frequency errors (characterized by spatial scales of a few microns and smaller), commonly referred to as micro-roughness or finish, can impact performance due to scattering or reduction in the reflectivity of applied coatings. Coating-induced stresses, mounting-induced distortions, and alignment errors can further degrade the angular resolution of the mirror assembly consisting of the individual mirror elements. Therefore, in addition to requiring the capability to manufacture precisely figured segments, this high-resolution mirror development must ultimately show the capability to coat the mirrors with thickness on the order of 50 nm or less and coating uniformity of +/- 1% change, while maintaining the defined performance requirements, namely angular resolution and effective area.

This notice seeks the above information to assist in evaluating current manufacturing capabilities, feasibility and schedule for delivering a space-based optical system for a high-performance science instrument as described above identifying promising development paths of less than 24 months for delivery of 3 sets of coated glass mirrors, mounted, & aligned flight mirrors.  

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on SAM.gov.  Interested firms are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. 

Interested firms having the required capabilities necessary to meet the above requirement described herein should submit a capability statement of no more than eight (8) pages using 12-pt font indicating the ability to perform all aspects of the effort described above. The respondents capability package shall address the following:

Recognizing that robust grazing-incident X-ray optics development is crucial to a compelling and executable solution for future space-based science instruments, this notice seeks input that will describe (1) the current capability and readiness to address critical parameters as shown above, (2) the feasibility and schedule for development of one set of prototype mirrors (parameters & dimensions as shown in Table 1 & Fig. 1), prototype optical mounts, and alignment as a prototype mirror assembly to demonstrate capabilities leading to an optical systems which meets critical parameters.   In addition, this notice requests sufficient detail to describe the high-resolution mirror fabrication processes to be used including, facilities, mounting and assembly approach for space application; alignment; metrology; mirror coating processes, and methods for stress mitigation.

All responses shall be submitted electronically via email to Ms. Kathy Cooper, kathy.cooper@nasa.gov no later than March 6, 2025, at Noon CST.  Please reference “State-of-the-Art X-ray Grazing Incidence Optics” in any response.  The body of the email message should identify and provide the name, institutional or organizational affiliation, address, telephone number and email address of the primary point-of-contact for the response. Other key institutions, companies and individuals collaborating on this sources sought notice response should also be identified with primary point-of-contact information. Responses must be received by the due date specified above, shall use 12-pt font or larger, and should not exceed eight (8) pages in length.

This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited.  Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. 

Material suitable for full and open distribution is requested and submittals shall be considered approved by the providing organization to be suitable for full and open distribution. Respondents should not submit proprietary information, export-controlled information (including EAR and ITAR restricted information), nor confidential information in response to this sources sought notice unless such information is clearly segregated and marked as Proprietary or Confidential.