Prof. Vadim Burwitz

In order to obtain high-quality scientific observations using modern X-ray space observatories, it is essential to carry out robust ground and in-orbit calibrations of the telescopes optics and detectors. Prior to this, extensive testing and verification of the Hardware must be conducted on the ground to ensure the new telescopes achieve the required performance levels. Such testing is conducted at long-beam X-ray test facilities, such as the PANTER X-ray test facility at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics near Munich, Germany with its 132-m beamline. In my talk, I will describe our work on recent X-ray observatories, such as eROSITA, Einstein Probe and SVOM, as well as upcoming missions, including eXTP and NewAthena. We have been involved in developing and calibrating the optics and detectors for these missions. I will also provide an overview of the X-ray test facility and discuss the critical point spread function and effective area parameters that must be determined for these missions. Finally, I will give a brief overview of cross-calibration activities between missions and ground calibration facilities.