Canatu carbon nanotube optical filter for X ray astronomy

Optical filters

Optical filters using Canatu CNT exhibit high transmittance at EUV and X-Ray, robustness to pressure differentials, and chemical inertness.


Optical filters with exceptional EUV/X-Ray transmittance

Canatu CNT membranes are ideal for optical filter applications due to their high EUV and X-Ray transmittance, resistance to pressure differentials, and chemical inertness. These optical filters allow certain wavelengths of light (e.g. X-rays or EUV) to pass through while blocking others (e.g. visible, infrared, or deep ultraviolet). They can be used in EUV lithography to filter specific wavelengths or in front of X-ray detectors to block unwanted particles, electrons, and photons, all while withstanding high temperatures and pressure differentials.

  • Ultra-thin optical filters fabricated onto a desired frame, coated or non-coated
  • High EUV / X-Ray transmittance while selectively blocking UV, DUV, visible, and infrared radiation
  • Free-standing membrane or supported with a novel all-carbon mesh for improved EUV/X-Ray transmittance
  • Exhibits high mechanical strength and durability
  • Compatible with high-vacuum and differential pressure environments
  • Exceptional thermal stability and chemically inert
Canatu X Ray windows CNT filter space

Optical filter applications

Canatu’s optical filters can support many different EUV and X-ray applications including EUV mask inspection, X-Ray astronomy, microscopy, e-beam filtration, and more.

Canatu CNT carbon nanotubes optical properties 1280x870

Key features

Canatu’s ultra-thin optical filters have high EUV/X-Ray transmittance, while being strong to endure mechanical stress such as differential pressure and vibration. They also have high heat resistivity and are chemically inert.

Download technical paper

Download SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation 2022 proceedings “Carbon nanotubes thin filters for x-ray detectors in space.”

Authors: Marco Barbera, Ugo Lo Cicero, Luisa Sciortino, Michela Todaro, Elena Puccio, Fabio D’Anca, Nicola Montinaro, Salvatore Varisco, Pekka Törmä, Lauri Riuttanen, Ilkka Varjos, Bjorn Mikladal, Elena Magnano, Igor Pis, Christian Gollwitzer, Evelyn Handick, Michael Krumrey, Christian Laubis.

Proc. SPIE 12181, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2022: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 121814H (31 August 2022); doi: 10.1117/12.2631516

Collaborating with ESA

Since 2020, Canatu has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an X-Ray filter for the ATHENA telescope, allowing precise celestial imaging by enabling X-Rays to pass through while blocking other wavelengths. Traditionally, X-Ray filters use metal meshes for mechanical support due to their fragility. Canatu has introduced a novel all-carbon support structure in partnership with Ametek Finland Ltd. and the University of Palermo, replacing the traditional metal mesh and enhancing X-Ray transmittance.

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Leveraging versatile platform technology for X-Ray filters

Canatu membranes serve as a versatile platform technology for a wide range of EUV and optical filter applications. Within Canatu’s product portfolio, you will find an array of cutting-edge solutions such as EUV pellicles, debris filters, and optical filters tailored to different needs.

These membranes are created from Canatu CNT, renowned for its exceptional purity and properties. Canatu CNTs are synthesized in a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) reactor, and then dry-deposited onto an open frame or a border. With more than a decade of experience in large-scale production of CNTs, Canatu excels in controlling the process and tailoring CNTs for different uses.

Canatu membranes feature unique combination of properties, unequalled by any other material.

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