3 research outputs found
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
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