The boron filter for the ROSAT X-ray telescope

Abstract We have developed multilayered films composed of boron carbide and carbon, which serve as spectral filters in the focal plane of the Wolter type I X-ray telescope on board the X-ray astronomy satellite ROSAT (Rontgensatellit). We describe the manufacturing process and qualification measurements of the filters and present the resulting performance data. Finally the pulse height spectrum of the active star AR Lac observed by ROSAT with and without boron filter will be shown.