Cheapest nuller in the world: crossed beamsplitter cubes

François Hénault; Alain Spang

doi:10.1117/12.2055091

24 July 2014 Cheapest nuller in the world: crossed beamsplitter cubes

François Hénault, Alain Spang

Proceedings Volume 9146, Optical and Infrared Interferometry IV; 914604 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2055091
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2014, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

In this communication is described a new type of Achromatic phase shifter (APS) suitable for both nulling interferometry and coronagraphy, based on a couple of crossed beamsplitter cubes, well-suited for equipping future spaceborne instruments searching for extra-solar planets located in a habitable zone. We present the general principle of this APS and discuss possible implementations into a nulling coronagraph telescope or into a sparse-aperture interferometer, either of the Fizeau or Michelson type. Expected performance in terms of transmission maps and a preliminary tolerance analysis are also provided. It turns out that the device is cheap, compact, and presents reasonable manufacturing tolerances and costs.

Citation Download Citation

François Hénault and Alain Spang "Cheapest nuller in the world: crossed beamsplitter cubes", Proc. SPIE 9146, Optical and Infrared Interferometry IV, 914604 (24 July 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2055091

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