The NewATHENA x-ray optics integration, process, and facilities

Several hundred Silicon Pore Optics (SPO) Mirror Modules (MMs) shall be integrated and co-aligned onto the mirror assembly module of the NewATHENA (New Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics). The alignment and integration concept consists in using the UV Vertical Optical Bench (UVOB), capturing the focal plane image of each SPO MM while illuminated by a reference plane wave at 218 nm wavelength. The UV light is emitted by a point-like source placed in the focus of the 2.6 meters aperture parabolic mirror (the so-called UV Collimator), generating a full-size collimated beam simulating the illumination from deep space. The SPO MM focuses the collimated beam onto a CCD camera placed at 12 meters distance (i.e. the nominal focal position) and the acquired point spread function (PSF) is processed in real time to retrieve the centroid position of the PSF. The centroid position is optimized by rotating and shifting the SPO MMs with a robot-assisted alignment sequence. Supported by ESA, Media Lario is designing and developing dedicated innovative facilities, capable of aligning, integrating and testing the NewATHENA mirror module assembly. The preparation of the building at Media Lario premises is complete and ready for the installation of the testing facilities. The building extends 6.5m below ground and 17 m above ground. The building is dimensioned to accommodate, beside the UVOB facility, the vertical X-ray (VERT-X) test facility. The co-location of these two facilities is strategic for the NewATHENA, permitting regular x-ray measurements of the SPO MMs aligned and integrated with the UV light. The building is designed with a rail system connecting the two facilities, allowing the transfer of the mirror module assembly between the UVOB and VERT-X. The VERT-X is designed also for performing the x-ray on-ground calibration of the integrated mirror assembly module. This paper reports on the development status of the building and of the facilities.