Extreme adaptive optics imaging with a clear and well-corrected off-axis telescope sub-aperture

Rather than using an adaptive optics (AO) system to correct a telescope s entire pupil, it can instead be used to more finely correct a smaller sub-aperture. Indeed, existing AO systems can be used to correct a sub-aperture 1/3 to 1/2 the size of a 5-10 m telescope to extreme adaptive optics (ExAO) levels. We discuss the potential performance of a clear off-axis well-corrected sub-aperture (WCS), and describe our initial imaging results with a 1.5 m diameter WCS on the Palomar Observatory s Hale telescope. These include measured Strehl ratios of 0.92-0.94 in the infrared (2.17 microns), and 0.12 in the B band, the latter allowing a binary of separation 0.34 arc sec to be easily resolved in the blue. Such performance levels enable a variety of novel observational modes, such as infrared ExAO, visible-wavelength AO, and high-contrast coronagraphy. One specific application suggested by the high Strehl ratio stability obtained (1%) is the measurement of planetary transits and eclipses. Also described is a simple dark-hole experiment carried out on a binary star, in which a comatic phase term was applied directly to the deformable mirror, in order to shift the diffraction rings to one side of the point spread function.Comment: accepted by Ap

Terrestrial planet finder interferometer: 2006-2007 progress and plans

This paper provides an overview of technology development for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I). TPF-I is a mid-infrared space interferometer being designed with the capability of detecting Earth-like planets in the habitable zones around nearby stars. The overall technology roadmap is presented and progress with each of the testbeds is summarized. The current interferometer architecture, design trades, and the viability of possible reduced-scope mission concepts are also presented

Terrestrial planet finder interferometer: 2006-2007 progress and plans

This paper provides an overview of technology development for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I). TPF-I is a mid-infrared space interferometer being designed with the capability of detecting Earth-like planets in the habitable zones around nearby stars. The overall technology roadmap is presented and progress with each of the testbeds is summarized. The current interferometer architecture, design trades, and the viability of possible reduced-scope mission concepts are also presented

Technology for a Mid-IR Flagship Mission to Characterize Earth-like Exoplanets

The exploration of Earth-like exoplanets will be enabled at mid-infrared wavelengths through technology and engineering advances in nulling interferometry and precision formation flying. Nulling interferometry provides the dynamic range needed for the detection of biomarkers. Formation flying provides the angular resolution required in the mid-infrared to separately distinguish the spectra of planets in multi-planet systems. The flight performance requirements for nulling have been met and must now be validated in a flight-like environment. Formation-flying algorithms have been demonstrated in the lab and must now be validated in space. Our proposed technology program is described

Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer Technology Status and Plans

A viewgraph presentation on the technology status and plans for Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer is shown. The topics include: 1) The Navigator Program; 2) TPF-I Project Overview; 3) Project Organization; 4) Technology Plan for TPF-I; 5) TPF-I Testbeds; 6) Nulling Error Budget; 7) Nulling Testbeds; 8) Nulling Requirements; 9) Achromatic Nulling Testbed; 10) Single Mode Spatial Filter Technology; 11) Adaptive Nuller Testbed; 12) TPF-I: Planet Detection Testbed (PDT); 13) Planet Detection Testbed Phase Modulation Experiment; and 14) Formation Control Testbed

Measurement of Spatial Filtering Capabilities of Single Mode Infrared Fibers

Spatial filtering is necessary to achieve deep nulls in optical interferometer and single mode infrared fibers can serve as spatial filters. The filtering function is based on the ability of these devices to perform the mode-cleaning function: only the component of the input field that is coupled to the single bound (fundamental) mode of the device propagates to the output without substantial loss. In practical fiber devices, there are leakage channels that cause light not coupled into the fundamental mode to propagate to the output. These include propagation through the fiber cladding and by means of a leaky mode. We propose a technique for measuring the magnitude of this leakage and apply it to infrared fibers made at the Naval Research Laboratory and at Tel Aviv University

Technology for a Mid-IR Flagship Mission to Characterize Earth-like Exoplanets

Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. Astro 2010. Astro2010: The Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. vol. 2010.Not Availabl

Technology for a Mid-IR Flagship Mission to Characterize Earth-like Exoplanets

Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. Astro 2010. Astro2010: The Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. vol. 2010.Not Availabl