A microstructured wavefront filter for the DARWIN nulling interferometer

J. C. Flanagan; D. J. Richardson; M. J. Foster; I. Bakalski

doi:10.1117/12.2308141

21 November 2017 A microstructured wavefront filter for the DARWIN nulling interferometer

J. C. Flanagan, D. J. Richardson, M. J. Foster, I. Bakalski

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Proceedings Volume 10567, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2006; 105672K (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2308141
Event: International Conference on Space Optics 2006, 2006, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Abstract

The European Space Agency's space-based Darwin mission aims to directly detect extrasolar Earth-like planets using nulling interferometry. However, in order to accomplish this using current optical technology, the interferometer input beams must be filtered to remove local wavefront errors. Although short lengths of single-mode fibre are ideal wavefront filters, Darwin's operating wavelength range of 4 - 20 μm presents real challenges for optical fibre technology. In addition to the fact that step-index fibres only offer acceptable coupling efficiency over about one octave of optical bandwidth, very few suitable materials are transparent within this wavelength range. Microstructured optical fibres offer two unique properties that hold great promise for this application; they can be made from a single-material and offer endlessly single-mode guidance. Here we explore the advantages of using a microstructured fibre as a broadband wavefront filter for 4 - 20 μm.

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J. C. Flanagan, D. J. Richardson, M. J. Foster, and I. Bakalski "A microstructured wavefront filter for the DARWIN nulling interferometer", Proc. SPIE 10567, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2006, 105672K (21 November 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2308141

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KEYWORDS

Micro optical fluidics

Fermium

Frequency modulation

Interferometers

Wavefronts

Planets

Cladding

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