Calibration of the first XXM flight mirror module: II. Effective area

Abstract

The High Throughput X-ray Spectroscopy Mission (XMM) is a Cornerstone Project in the ESA long-term Programme for Space Science. The satellite observatory uses three grazing incidence mirror modules coupled to reflection grating spectrometers and X-ray CCD cameras. Each XMM mirror module consists of 58 Wolter I mirrors which are nested in a coaxial and cofocal configuration. The calibration of the mirror system includes the development of a representative numerical model and its validation against extensive calibration tests performed on ground at the CSL and PANTER test facilities. The present paper describes the calibration of the x-ray effective area of the first XMM flight mirror module. Keywords: XMM, X-ray astronomy, Wolter I telescope, grazing incidence optics