What's Happening?
NASA's Physics of the Cosmos program is hosting an X-Ray Science Interest Group (SIG) seminar on December 19, 2025. The seminar will focus on advancements in Critical-Angle Transmission (CAT) grating technology for high resolving power soft x-ray spectroscopy.
Ralf Heilmann from MIT will present updates on CAT grating technology, which is crucial for studying highly ionized gases, accretion onto supermassive black holes, and coronal mass ejections. The seminar will discuss the progress in CAT fabrication, which is moving towards volume production using commercial tools, and its application in the REDSoX soft x-ray polarimetry sounding rocket instrument.
Why It's Important?
The development of CAT grating technology is significant for advancing our understanding of the universe. High resolving power soft x-ray spectroscopy allows scientists to study phenomena across vast scales, from galaxy clusters to black holes. These insights are essential for addressing fundamental questions in astrophysics and improving our knowledge of cosmic processes. The seminar highlights the importance of technological innovation in enabling new scientific discoveries and enhancing the capabilities of future space missions.
What's Next?
The seminar will provide a platform for discussing the current state and future directions of CAT grating technology. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts and explore potential collaborations. The ongoing development of CAT gratings will continue to be a focus, with efforts to improve manufacturing readiness and technology performance. The insights gained from this seminar could inform future research and development efforts, contributing to the success of upcoming missions like the Lynx mission concept.
