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About

Marcos Bavdaz is a pioneering researcher in X-ray optics technology for space astronomy, whose work has fundamentally shaped the development of next-generation high-energy astrophysics observatories. His most significant contribution lies in the invention and refinement of Silicon Pore Optics (SPO), a revolutionary lightweight mirror technology that overcomes the mass and cost limitations of traditional X-ray telescope designs using nickel electro-forming or polished glass. This innovation has become the baseline optical technology for ESA's flagship ATHENA mission, designed to observe the hot and energetic universe with unprecedented effective areas exceeding 5 m² at 1 keV. Bavdaz's research spans the full lifecycle of SPO development — from early production methods demonstrated in 2006 to mass manufacturing processes, precise mirror stacking techniques, and large-scale telescope integration facilities. His work on modular assembly, interfacing ribs for accurate alignment, and additive manufacturing of structural components has been critical to making ATHENA's ambitious optical bench a practical reality. With papers accumulating citations across the international X-ray astronomy community and contributions to missions including XEUS and IXO, Bavdaz's research has established him as an indispensable figure in European space optics instrumentation.