Nulling interferometry: high contrast science for single large apertures

Peter Tuthill

doi:10.1117/12.2627887

29 August 2022 Nulling interferometry: high contrast science for single large apertures

Peter Tuthill

Proceedings Volume 12185, Adaptive Optics Systems VIII; 121858P (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2627887
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2022, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Conference Poster

Abstract

In the pursuit of high contrast science, the angular scale of the domain over which the instrument opens an observational window can be more critical to the science than the raw contrast obtained. In particular, in the pursuit of solar system scale structures in nearby star-forming regions, then operation at the full lambda/D diffraction limit of a 10m class telescope in the near-infrared is required. Among the most promising technologies to enable such observations is nulling interferometry, in which starlight from the bright stellar core undergoes destructive interference thereby removing it from the signal path carrying the faint light from any orbiting companions. Recent advances in photonics technologies have spurred renewed interest in nulling interferometers as a back-end instrument operating behind large, adaptive-optics corrected telescopes. The Palomar Fibre Nuller, and the GLINT instrument are two examples, however to date these instruments have concentrated on the fundamentals of nulling, interferometric operation and detection, rather than building out to a full design to optimally exploit the available telescope pupil. This paper will explore the next generation of photonics pullers, with concepts advanced to pave the way to full science productivity in the emerging new landscape of high contrast instruments.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Tuthill "Nulling interferometry: high contrast science for single large apertures", Proc. SPIE 12185, Adaptive Optics Systems VIII, 121858P (29 August 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2627887

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