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XMM-NEWTON HARDWARE IMAGES - RGS DETECTORS

RGS Support Structure

XMM RGS support

(Photo courtesy of D. de Chambure, XMM-Newton Project, ESA/ESTEC)

The beams within XMM-Newton's two telescopes carrying Reflection Grating Spectrometers (RGSs) are intercepted behind the mirror modules by Reflection Grating Arrays (RGAs). These are mounted on a support structure as shown above and not moveable.

XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Array in testing

XMM RGS grating array

(Photo courtesy of D. de Chambure, XMM-Newton Project, ESA/ESTEC)

A view of an XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Array (RGA), mounted on flanges connecting it with the back side of a mirror module. In the depicted configuration, light enters from the bottom. (see next photo).

Illuminated XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Array

XMM RGS grating

(Photo courtesy of D. de Chambure, XMM-Newton Project, ESA/ESTEC)

The same RGA as in the previous photo, now illuminated by optical light in the same way as X-ray light would enter in flight.

XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Array with Light from Behind

XMM RGA test

(Photo courtesy of D. de Chambure, XMM-Newton Project, ESA/ESTEC)

Here an XMM-Newton RGA is shown illuminated by optical light, but from the "wrong" side. This makes it possible to photographically present the dispersive power of the gratings, which produces the nice rainbow pattern.

RGS Focal Camera Flight Unit

XMM RGS Camera

(Photo courtesy of Space Research Organization of the Netherlands, SRON)

One of the two RGS focal cameras. Most clearly visible are the thermal radiator with its struts and the brass casing of the camera itself. As oriented in the photo, the light would enter the camera from below.

Structural Thermal Model (STM) of RGS

XMM RGS Thermal Model

(Photograph courtesy of Paul Scherrer Institut)

Picture of the XMM-Newton RGS mechanical/thermal structure, qualification model. The dark grey piece at the top of the model is the radiator structure, which will be pointing into cold space. The CCD detectors are mounted inside the golden box in the middle. The baffle with the entrance slit is the black box at the bottom, with the entrance slit facing the table.

If you have any questions concerning XMM-Newton send email to xmmhelp@athena.gsfc.nasa.gov