Prospects for soft gamma-ray focusing optics via multilayer-coated grazing-incidence mirrors

Dustin K. Swarm; Danielle N. Gurgew; Carolyn A. Kierans; Casey T. DeRoo; Kirtan P. Dixit

doi:10.1016/j.jheap.2026.100695

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Prospects for soft gamma-ray focusing optics via multilayer-coated grazing-incidence mirrors

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Prospects for soft gamma-ray focusing optics via multilayer-coated grazing-incidence mirrors

Dustin K. Swarm, Danielle N. Gurgew, Carolyn A. Kierans, Casey T. DeRoo and Kirtan P. Dixit

Journal of high energy astrophysics, Vol.54, 100695

08/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.jheap.2026.100695

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Abstract

Many critical science questions in gamma-ray astrophysics are limited by the sensitivity and angular resolution of current telescope technologies, namely the lack of focusing optics in the 0.1–1.0 MeV photon regime. We review promising technical advances that suggest soft gamma-ray focusing optics would be attainable within the coming decade. Grazing incidence optics traditionally used in X-ray astronomy can achieve angular resolutions on the order of arcminutes while decoupling collecting area from detector size. Multilayer mirror coatings consisting of thin-film structures of high density materials grant optical design flexibility and have experimentally validated reflectivity in soft gamma-rays. Further developing these and other supporting technologies, such as precision formation-flying, would pave the way for a soft gamma-ray focusing observatory.

Gamma-ray optics

Gamma-ray telescopes

Grazing-incidence optics

Multilayers

Details

Title: Subtitle: Prospects for soft gamma-ray focusing optics via multilayer-coated grazing-incidence mirrors
Creators: Dustin K. Swarm - University of Iowa, Department of Physics & Astronomy, 203 Van Allen Hall, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA
Danielle N. Gurgew - Universities Space Research Association
Carolyn A. Kierans - Goddard Space Flight Center
Casey T. DeRoo - University of Iowa
Kirtan P. Dixit - Marshall Space Flight Center
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of high energy astrophysics, Vol.54, 100695
DOI: 10.1016/j.jheap.2026.100695
ISSN: 2214-4048
eISSN: 2214-4056
Publisher: Elsevier B.V
Grant note: NASA: 80NSSC25K7330 NASA
This work is supported by NASA Award No. 80NSSC25K7330. K.P.D. would like to acknowledge support for this work through an appointment to the NASA Postdoctoral Program at NASA MSFC, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities under contract with NASA.
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 07/10/2026
Date published: 08/2026
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy; University College Courses
Record Identifier: 9985183417702771

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