Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Kolodziejczak, Jeff

Publications and source records attributed to Kolodziejczak, Jeff.

9 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2019

Deterministic Polishing of Replicating Grazing-Incidence Mandrels

In an effort to manufacture high-angular-resolution, grazing-incidence, x-ray optics, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is taking measures to improve its electroformed replicated optics. A key development is the use of computer-numerical control (CNC) polishing to deterministically improve the surface of electroless nickel mandrels used to replicate grazing- incidence optics. Metrology, control software and polishing parameters must function together seamlessly to reach the specifications required to replicate sub-arcsecond optics. Each change in polishing parameters effects the wear pattern of the polishing head. Using Richardson-Lucy deconvolution, the controller software fits the wear pattern to metrology data to calculate the changing feedrates across the mandrel. Here we present an overview of our process, and early results showing the effectiveness of deterministic polishing for replicated optics.

Davis, Jacqueline↗
NASA NTRS2015

Low-Energy Microfocus X-Ray Source for Enhanced Testing Capability in the Stray Light Facility

Research toward high-resolution, soft x-ray optics (mirrors and gratings) necessary for the next generation large x-ray observatories requires x-ray testing using a low-energy x-ray source with fine angular size (<1 arcsecond). To accommodate this somewhat demanding requirement, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has procured a custom, windowless low-energy microfocus (approximately 0.1 mm spot) x-ray source from TruFocus Corporation that mates directly to the Stray Light Facility (SLF). MSFC X-ray Astronomy team members are internationally recognized for their expertise in the development, fabrication, and testing of grazing-incidence optics for x-ray telescopes. One of the key MSFC facilities for testing novel x-ray instrumentation is the SLF. This facility is an approximately 100-m-long beam line equipped with multiple x-ray sources and detectors. This new source adds to the already robust compliment of instrumentation, allowing MSFC to support additional internal and community x-ray testing needs.

Gaskin, Jessica↗
NASA NTRS2014

Calibration of the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) Hard X-ray Telescope

On September 21-22, 2013, the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) hard X-ray telescope, flew as a balloon payload from Ft. Sumner, N.M. HEROES observed the Sun, the black hole binary GRS 1915+105, and the Crab Nebula during its 27 hour flight. In this paper we describe laboratory calibration measurements of the HEROES detectors using line and continuum sources, applications of these measurements to define channel to energy (gain) corrections for observed events and to define detector response matrices. We characterize the HEROES X-ray grazing incidence optics using measurements taken in the Stray-Light (SLF) Facility in Huntsville, AL, and using ray traces.

Wilson-Hodge, Colleen A.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Opto-Mechanical Analyses for Performance Optimization of Lightweight Grazing-Incidence Mirrors

New technology in grazing-incidence mirror fabrication and assembly is necessary to achieve sub-arcsecond optics for large-area x-ray telescopes. In order to define specifications, an understanding of performance sensitivity to design parameters is crucial. MSFC is undertaking a systematic study to specify a mounting approach, mirror substrate, and testing method. Because the lightweight mirrors are typically flimsy, they are susceptible to significant distortion due to mounting and gravitational forces. Material properties of the mirror substrate along with its thickness and dimensions significantly affect the distortions caused by mounting and gravity. A parametric study of these properties and their relationship to mounting and testing schemes will indicate specifications for the design of the next generation of lightweight grazing-incidence mirrors. Initial results will be reported.

Roche, Jacqueline↗
NASA NTRS2010

Kepler Data Release 4 Notes

The Data Analysis Working Group have released long and short cadence materials, including FFIs and Dropped Targets for the Public. The Kepler Science Office considers Data Release 4 to provide "browse quality" data. These notes have been prepared to give Kepler users of the Multimission Archive at STScl (MAST) a summary of how the data were collected and prepared, and how well the data processing pipeline is functioning on flight data. They will be updated for each release of data to the public archive and placed on MAST along with other Kepler documentation, at http://archive.stsci.edu/kepler/documents.html. Data release 3 is meant to give users the opportunity to examine the data for possibly interesting science and to involve the users in improving the pipeline for future data releases. To perform the latter service, users are encouraged to notice and document artifacts, either in the raw or processed data, and report them to the Science Office.

Van Cleve, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS2004

Lessons for STEP from GP-6

The STEP concept and GP-B share a much heritage. The development, verification and recent launch and initialization of GP-B can therefore act as a pathfinder for the shared aspects of STEP. This talk describes the common characteristics of STEP and GP-B and discusses potential applications of GP-B lessons-learned to a stronger flight-heritage based concept for STEP.

Kolodziejczak, Jeff↗