What does the design of modern X-ray telescopes depend on?

The modern X-ray telescopes design mainly hinges on the utilization of the Wolter-Schwarzschild optics, also referred to as grazing incidence optics. This kind of optics is paramount for telescopes that observe in X-ray wavelengths due to the strong absorption and dispersion of X-rays in materials.

Fundamentally, the Wolter-Schwarzschild optics function based on the principle of grazing incidence, where X-rays strike specialized nested mirrors at a shallow angle. This specific geometry enables X-rays to be effectively reflected and focused while minimizing absorption.

The core design components of Wolter-Schwarzschild optics comprise parabolic and hyperbolic surfaces. By strategically arranging these reflective surfaces in a concentric configuration, X-rays are directed toward the telescope's focal plane, where detectors capture and record the incoming radiation.

This combination of parabolic and hyperbolic surfaces results in a telescope with a large effective area for collecting X-rays, providing enhanced sensitivity for detecting faint celestial sources. Furthermore, the grazing incidence approach also facilitates a broader field of view compared to conventional telescopes.

Overall, the success and capabilities of modern X-ray telescopes heavily depend on the ingenuity of the Wolter-Schwarzschild optics design, which is specifically optimized for observing the universe in the X-ray band of the electromagnetic spectrum.