Compact and Lightweight Multigrid Collimators for a Satellite-Borne Solar X-Ray Spectrometer Experiment

Multigrid X-ray collimators with fields of view of 20 arc sec and 1 arc min were designed and built for use in the CRLS-229 X-ray Spectrometer/Spectroheliograph experiment aboard the USAF STP P78-1 satellite. A systematic design approach resulted in collimators that were usable in the 0.5-5 keV range with no off-axis transmission for angles below 40 arc min. The mechanical design combined a firm and rigid mount with a capability for fine alignment adjustments during the assembly process. The collimators were provided with optical sun detectors to verify instrument pointing and reference mirrors for coalignment with one another and with the spacecraft pointing reference sensors. They were subjected to a comprehensive series of tests to assure their proper functioning and ability to survive launch and on-orbit environments. (Author)