Diffractive-refractive optics for high energy astronomy

II. Variations on the theme

¹ CESR, 9 avenue du Colonel Roche, 31028 Toulouse, France
² School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Corresponding author: skinner@cesr.fr

Received: 25 September 2001
Accepted: 15 November 2001

Abstract

In a companion paper diffractive-refractive optics components such as Fresnel Zone Plates and their derivatives have been proposed as a basis for telescope systems for X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy with high sensitivity and superb angular resolution. A wide family of configurations is possible and the first paper concentrated on simple systems for gamma-ray energies. The main problems arise from the very long focal lengths involved (~10⁶ km) and from chromatic aberration in the focussing system. Ideas are presented here that could in some circumstances allow the focal length to be reduced by many orders of magnitude. In addition it is shown how lenses which are to first order achromatic might be constructed. Finally, the possibility of using similar optical components for X-ray and gamma-ray interferometry is discussed.