The X-ray optics is a key element of space X-ray telescopes, as well as other X-ray imaging instruments. The grazing incidence X-ray lenses represent the important class of X-ray optics. Most of grazing incidence (reflective) X-ray imaging systems used in astronomy but also in other (laboratory) applications are based on the Wolter 1 (or modified) arrangement. But there are also other designs and configurations proposed, used and considered for future applications both in space and in laboratory. The Kirkpatrick-Baez (K-B) lenses as well as various types of Lobster-Eye optics and MCP/Micropore optics serve as an example. Analogously to Wolter lenses, the X-rays are mostly reflected twice in these systems to create focal images. Various future projects in X-ray astronomy and astrophysics will require large segments with multiple thin shells or foils. The large Kirkpatrick-Baez modules, as well as the large Lobster-Eye X-ray telescope modules in Schmidt arrangement may serve as examples. All related space projects will require high quality and light segmented shells (bent or flat foils) with high X-ray reflectivity and excellent mechanical stability. The Multi Foil Optics (MFO) approach represent a promising alternative for both LE and K-B X-ray optical modules. Several types of reflecting substrates may be considered for these applications, with emphasis on thin float glass sheets and, more recently, high quality silicon wafers. This confirms the importance of non-Wolter X-ray optics designs for the future. The alternative designs require novel reflective substrates which are also discussed in the paper.

The primary objective of the project VZLUSAT-1 is the development, manufacturing, qualification and experimental verification of products and technologies in Earth orbit (IOD – In-Orbit Demonstration). This work addresses the issue of X-ray monitoring for astrophysical applications. The proposed wide-field optical system has not been used in space yet. The proposed novel approach is based on the use of 1D "Lobster eye" optics in combination with Timepix X-ray detector in the energy range 3 - 40 keV. The proposed project includes theoretical study and a functional sample of the Timepix X-ray detector with multifoil wide-field X-ray "Lobster eye" optics. Using optics to focus X-rays on a detector is the only solution in cases the intensity of impinging X-ray radiation is below the sensitivity of the detector, e.g. while monitoring astrophysical objects in space, or phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere. On board the functions and features of Radiation Hardened Composite Housing (RHCH), Solar panels based on composite substrate and Hollow Retro Reflector Array based on composite (HRRA) will be verified. To verify the properties of the developed products the satellite is equipped by Health Monitoring system (HM). HM system includes temperature, volatiles, radiation and mechanical properties sensors. The custom ADCS algorithms are being developed within the project. Given the number of IOD experiments and the necessary power the 1U CubeSat is equipped with Composite Deployable Panels (CDP) where HM panels and additional Solar panels are located. Satellite platform is assembled from commercial parts. Mission VZLUSAT-1 is planned for 6 months with launch in 2016.

This work addresses the issue of X-ray monitoring for astrophysical applications. The proposed wide-field optical system has not been used in space yet. The proposed novel approach is based on the use of 1D "Lobster eye" optics in combination with Timepix X-ray detector in the energy range 3-40 keV. The proposed project includes theoretical study and a functional sample of the Timepix X-ray detector with multifoil wide-field X-ray "Lobster eye" optics. Using optics to focus X-rays on a detector is the only solution in cases the intensity of impinging X-ray radiation is below the sensitivity of the detector, e. g. while monitoring astrophysical objects in space, or phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere. The optical system could be used in a student rocket experiment at University of Colorado. Ideal opportunity is to extend the CubeSat of Pennsylvania State University with the hard X-ray telescope demonstrator consisting of an optical module and Timepix detector.

There is a growing need for multiply nested large area X-ray mirrors with very fine angular resolution in future X-ray astrophysics experiments. Despite of promising results of several exploited technologies, it is not demonstrated yet that these technologies will provide the required angular resolutions of order of few arcsec. The alternative approach described in this paper is the method of active X-ray optics. In addition, active approaches based on computer control may be applied directly during manufacturing of advanced X-ray optics elements. We propose these methods as an alternative for the IXO project recently under study by ESA/NASA/JAXA.

A novel design of X-ray optical system - concentrator for astrophysical rocket experiment is investigated. The proposed system is based on four modules with Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) configuration allowing usage of multi-foil mirrors arranged to parabolic profile. The KB modules are supplemented by rotationally symmetrical parabolic segments. This X-ray optical system effectively uses a circular aperture. The KB modules are placed in four quadrants while the segments are set into a Cartesian cross between the KB modules. Studied optical system is under consideration for the student rocket experiment of University of Colorado that should verify function of NIST's energy-dispersive detector based on Transition Edge Sensors (TES microcalorimeters).

In this work, we investigate a novel design of optical system for astrophysics. In addition, a new testing method in the X-ray laboratory was verified. The proposed optical system is composed of modules with Kirkpatrick-Baez configuration allowing usage of multi-foil mirrors arranged to parabolic profile. This system effectively uses a circular aperture, which is divided into petals. Individual petals consist of diagonally oriented KB cells with common focus. The hybrid optical system includes a set of rotationally symmetrical parabolic mirrors to achieve higher reflection efficiency of harder X-rays. New results are presented.

In this work, we investigate a novel design of optical system for astrophysics. In addition, a new testing method in the X-ray laboratory was verified. The proposed optical system is composed of modules with Kirkpatrick-Baez configuration allowing usage of multi-foil mirrors arranged along a parabolic profile. This system effectively uses a circular aperture, which is divided into petals. Individual petals consist of diagonally oriented KB cells with a common focus. This optical system can be improved by a set of nested rotationally symmetric X-ray mirrors in order to achieve higher reflection efficiency in harder part of considered spectrum.