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About

Coen van Baren is a leading figure in the development of high-energy astrophysics instrumentation, with a primary focus on X-ray optics for next-generation space observatories. His most significant contributions center on the advancement of Silicon Pore Optics (SPO) technology, a revolutionary approach to building lightweight, high-resolution X-ray mirrors. Van Baren has been instrumental in the mission studies and technology preparation for the European Space Agency’s ATHENA (Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics) mission, a future flagship space observatory designed to study the hot and energetic Universe. His work, detailed in key publications such as "Optics developments for ATHENA" (2019, 8 citations) and "The Athena optics" (2015, 5 citations), outlines the critical evolution of SPO from a concept into a viable optical system. By driving the engineering and performance validation of these optics, van Baren has helped lay the groundwork for ATHENA’s ability to map black holes, galaxy clusters, and supernova remnants with unprecedented sensitivity, solidifying his role as a key contributor to one of ESA’s most ambitious scientific endeavors.