APEX/J-PEX: A High-Resolution Spectrometer for EUV/X-ray Wavelengths

M. P. Kowalski, R. G. Cruddace, H. Gursky, D. J. Yentis (NRL), T. W. Barbee, Jr., W. H. Goldstein, J. F. Kordas (LLNL), G. G. Fritz (PRAXIS, Inc.), M. A. Barstow, N. P. Bannister (University of Leicester), J. S. Lapington (MSSL)

Abstract

Future X-ray and EUV missions should include high-resolution spectrometers, permitting use of the full range of spectroscopic diagnostics, in particular measurement of line profiles and Doppler shifts. We present a design for such an instrument (APEX), which would fly on a Small Explorer Satellite and which employs multilayer-coated ion-etched gratings in a normal-incidence configuration. We have already flown successfully a prototype spectrometer (J-PEX) on a NASA sounding rocket. The resulting EUV spectrum of the white dwarf G191-B2B will be presented.

CATEGORY: NORMAL STARS AND WHITE DWARFS