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About

Stefano Basso is a leading figure in the development of next-generation X-ray optics, specializing in the fabrication and integration of lightweight, high-resolution segmented mirrors for space-based telescopes. His primary research focuses on the slumping of borosilicate glass sheets—a technique that enables the production of low-cost, lightweight X-ray mirrors with large collecting areas. Basso’s major contributions include pioneering the use of interfacing ribs for the accurate integration of these segmented optics, a method critical for achieving the stringent angular resolution (e.g., 5 arc sec HEW) required by future long-focal-length missions. His work on the XEUS (X-ray Evolving-Universe Spectroscopy Mission) design demonstrated how slumped glass assemblies could deliver collecting areas of 5–6 m² at 1 keV, effectively balancing performance with manufacturability. With his most-cited paper (21 citations) detailing the rib-integration approach, Basso has helped lay the groundwork for missions like Athena, where his innovations in mirror alignment and structural support are directly influencing the path to unprecedented effective area and resolution. His achievements are essential reading for anyone interested in the engineering challenges of high-energy astrophysics.