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About

O. Citterio is a pioneering figure in the field of X-ray optics, whose work has been instrumental in advancing the technology for next-generation space telescopes. His primary research focuses on the design and fabrication of lightweight, high-resolution X-ray mirrors, specifically through the innovative use of slumped glass technology. Citterio’s major contribution lies in developing methods to create segmented X-ray optics with exceptional angular resolution—targeting 5 arc seconds or better—while dramatically reducing weight and cost. His 2013 paper on integrating segmented optics using interfacing ribs (21 citations) provides a crucial solution for assembling large mirror arrays without compromising performance. Earlier, his 2008 work on the XEUS mission (7 citations) laid the groundwork for achieving the enormous collecting areas needed to study the hot, energetic universe, proposing a mirror assembly that could reach 5-6 m² at 1 keV. By solving the engineering challenge of creating precise, affordable mirrors for long-focal-length telescopes, Citterio has directly enabled future missions like Athena, ensuring that astronomers can probe black holes and galaxy clusters with unprecedented clarity.