X-ray Mirror Replication in TIFR (2003 - )

1. Sizing the foils held between smooth ground & shaped SS flats prior to cutting and de-burring

2.  Three-Slip Motorised Roller for shaping the foils to approx. cones

3.  A Glass mandrel being inserted for Gold coating in a DC sputtering machine.

4.  Gold coated glass mandrels after gold sputtering.

5.  Spraying epoxy using automated spray system developed at TIFR.

6. The epoxy coated Al foil and the Au coated glass mandrel inside the vacuum chamber just before the attachment/replication

7.  The attached Al foil and the Au coated glass mandrel in an oven for curing.

8.  Removing the Al foil with the Au surface from glass mandrel after curing

9.  Al foil with the replicated Au surface -- ready for an X-ray telescope.

K.P. Singh
(Updated August,  2007)