X-ray optics bonding under vacuum conditions by means of laser-based soldering

Laser-based soldering, also known as Solderjet-bumping, is an established process for the bonding of optical and mechanical components under laboratory conditions at normal atmosphere. The present study shows the implementation and adaption of the bonding technology to a vacuum environment with pressure below 10-4 mbar, in which x-ray optics are assembled and aligned. To demonstrate the performance, assembly campaigns for x-ray optics demonstrators in air and under vacuum conditions were performed. Environmental and mechanical tests on sample-level-studies were carried out. The results of the study show that the solderjet-bumping technique is capable for the bonding of x-ray optics and other components under vacuum conditions. The strength of the bond is not affected by the vacuum environment.