SPHERE / ZIMPOL : Characterization of the ZIMPOL PSF

Abstract

"We characterize the point spread function (PSF) and the coronagraphic images in the visual range (V-, R, and I-band) obtained with the SPHERE \"planet finder\" instrument. The PSF delivered by the extreme AO system depends on wavelength, atmospheric parameters, and the brightness of the object. Particularly at short wavelengths, in V, the performance depends strongly on the observing conditions.