# Astro2020 Science White Paper: Probing the Structure of Interstellar Dust from Micron to Kpc Scales with X-ray Imaging

## TL;DR

This paper discusses how next-generation X-ray detectors will enhance the study of interstellar dust structures across various scales, providing deeper insights into dust grain models and evolution.

## Contribution

It highlights the potential of improved X-ray detector sensitivity and resolution to significantly advance interstellar dust research.

## Key findings

- Next-generation X-ray detectors will enable studies of fainter sources.
- Higher angular resolution will improve dust structure mapping.
- Expanded sightlines will enhance understanding of dust evolution.

## Abstract

The X-ray regime is a largely underused resource for constraining interstellar dust grain models and improving our understanding of the physical processes that dictate how grains evolve over their lifetimes. This is mostly due to current detectors' relatively low sensitivity and high background, limiting the targets to the brightest sources. The improved sensitivity of the next generation of X-ray detectors will allow studies of much fainter sources, at much higher angular resolution, expanding our sampled sightlines in both quality and quantity.