Integrated photonic-based coronagraphic systems for future space telescopes

The detection and characterization of Earth-like exoplanets around Sun-like stars is a primary science motivation for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. However, the current best technology is not yet advanced enough to reach the 10^-10 contrasts at close angular separations and at the same time remain insensitive to low-order aberrations, as would be required to achieve high-contrast imaging of exo-Earths. Photonic technologies could fill this gap, potentially doubling exo-Earth yield. We review current work on photonic coronagraphs and investigate the potential of hybridized designs which combine both classical coronagraph designs and photonic technologies into a single optical system. We present two possible systems. First, a hybrid solution which splits the field of view spatially such that the photonics handle light within the inner working angle and a conventional coronagraph that suppresses starlight outside it. Second, a hybrid solution where the conventional coronagraph and photonics operate in series, complementing each other and thereby loosening requirements on each subsystem. As photonic technologies continue to advance, a hybrid or fully photonic coronagraph holds great potential for future exoplanet imaging from space.Comment: Conference Proceedings of SPIE: Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets XI, vol. 12680 (2023

Visible extreme adaptive optics on extremely large telescopes: Towards detecting oxygen in Proxima Centauri b and analogs

Looking to the future of exo-Earth imaging from the ground, core technology developments are required in visible extreme adaptive optics (ExAO) to enable the observation of atmospheric features such as oxygen on rocky planets in visible light. UNDERGROUND (Ultra-fast AO techNology Determination for Exoplanet imageRs from the GROUND), a collaboration built in Feb. 2023 at the Optimal Exoplanet Imagers Lorentz Workshop, aims to (1) motivate oxygen detection in Proxima Centauri b and analogs as an informative science case for high-contrast imaging and direct spectroscopy, (2) overview the state of the field with respect to visible exoplanet imagers, and (3) set the instrumental requirements to achieve this goal and identify what key technologies require further development.Comment: SPIE Proceeding: 2023 / 12680-6

Detecting a Young 2 Jupiter Mass Planet Embedded in the Disk of HD 163296

To directly confront planet formation mechanisms, a sample of objects in the earliest stages of their lives, i.e, when they are still embedded in their natal protoplanetary disks, need to be observed and studied. Here we propose to demonstrate a synergistic approach between the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). ALMA observations can reveal the location of an embedded planet by its influence on the dynamical structure of the protoplanetary disk, while the strength of these perturbations allow for a tight constraint on the mass of the planet. Here we propose to image for the first time an embedded planet in the disk around HD 163296 using the MIRI instrument onboard JWST. The 2 MJup planet has been detected in several, independent studies and lies 2" north of the host star. JWST/MIRI in coronagraphic mode at 11.4 $\mu$m is the only available option to detect such embedded objects for decades to come, as no other instrument has the mid-infrared high-contrast capabilities necessary to overcome the obstacle of disk absorption prevalent at shorter, NIR wavelengths. Given its mass and separation, the planet around HD163296 offers the highest chances of detection and would pave the path for a new and highly efficient exoplanet detection method. Detecting emission from the planet and its surrounding is going to reshape our understanding of planet formation, allowing for direct comparison between formation scenarios

Detecting a Young 2 Jupiter Mass Planet Embedded in the Disk of HD 163296

To directly confront planet formation mechanisms, a sample of objects in the earliest stages of their lives, i.e, when they are still embedded in their natal protoplanetary disks, need to be observed and studied. Here we propose to demonstrate a synergistic approach between the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). ALMA observations can reveal the location of an embedded planet by its influence on the dynamical structure of the protoplanetary disk, while the strength of these perturbations allow for a tight constraint on the mass of the planet. Here we propose to image for the first time an embedded planet in the disk around HD 163296 using the MIRI instrument onboard JWST. The 2 MJup planet has been detected in several, independent studies and lies 2" north of the host star. JWST/MIRI in coronagraphic mode at 11.4 $\mu$m is the only available option to detect such embedded objects for decades to come, as no other instrument has the mid-infrared high-contrast capabilities necessary to overcome the obstacle of disk absorption prevalent at shorter, NIR wavelengths. Given its mass and separation, the planet around HD163296 offers the highest chances of detection and would pave the path for a new and highly efficient exoplanet detection method. Detecting emission from the planet and its surrounding is going to reshape our understanding of planet formation, allowing for direct comparison between formation scenarios

Visible extreme adaptive optics on extremely large telescopes: towards detecting oxygen in Proxima Centauri b and analogs

International audienceLooking to the future of exo-Earth imaging from the ground, core technology developments are required in visible Extreme Adaptive Optics (ExAO) to enable the observation of atmospheric features such as oxygen on rocky planets in visible light. UNDERGROUND (Ultra-fast AO techNology Determination for Exoplanet imageRs from the GROUND), a collaboration built in Feb. 2023 at the Optimal Exoplanet Imagers Lorentz Workshop, aims to (1) motivate oxygen detection in Proxima Centauri b and analogs as an informative science case for high-contrast imaging and direct spectroscopy, (2) overview the state of the field with respect to visible exoplanet imagers, and (3) set the instrumental requirements to achieve this goal and identify what key technologies require further development

First on-sky results of ERIS at VLT

editorial reviewedERIS (Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph) is a new adaptive optics instrument installed at the Cassegrain focus of the VLT-UT4 telescope at the Paranal Observatory in Chile. ERIS consists of two near infrared instruments: SPIFFIER, an integral field unit (IFU) spectrograph covering J to K bands, and NIX, an imager covering J to M bands. ERIS has an adaptive optics system able to work with both LGS and NGS. The Assembly Integration Verification (AIV) phase of ERIS at the Paranal Observatory was carried out starting in December 2021, followed by several commissioning runs in 2022. This contribution will describe the first preliminary results of the on-sky performance of ERIS during its commissioning and the future perspectives based on the preliminary scientific results