Combining vector-phase coronagraphy with dual-beam polarimetry

Frans Snik; Gilles Otten; Matthew Kenworthy; Dimitri Mawet; Michael Escuti

doi:10.1117/12.2055452

6 August 2014 Combining vector-phase coronagraphy with dual-beam polarimetry

Frans Snik, Gilles Otten, Matthew Kenworthy, Dimitri Mawet, Michael Escuti

Proceedings Volume 9147, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy V; 91477U (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2055452
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2014, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Utilizing the so-called vector phase of polarized light, both focal-plane coronagraphs (e.g. the Vector Vortex Coronagraph) and pupil-plane coronagraphs (e.g. the vector Apodizing Phase Plate) are powerful components for high-contrast imaging. These coronagraphs can be built and optimized with polarization techniques and liquid crystal technology, that enable patterning at the micron level and furnish broad-band performance. The contrast between the residual starlight and the (polarized) reflected light off exoplanets can be further bridged by incorporating sensitive, dual-beam imaging polarimetry. As vector-phase coronagraphs use polarizers to enhance their performance, we introduce optimally integrated solutions that combine advanced coronagraphy and polarimetry. For both the VVC and the vAPP we present polarization beam-splitting concepts, with polarization analyzers either behind or in front of the coronagraphic optics. We discuss design solutions for the implementation of polarization optics, and set the stage for a trade-off between the improvement of coronagraphic and polarimetric performance and the ensuing degradation on the high-contrast imaging performance due to wavefront errors.

Citation Download Citation

Frans Snik, Gilles Otten, Matthew Kenworthy, Dimitri Mawet, and Michael Escuti "Combining vector-phase coronagraphy with dual-beam polarimetry", Proc. SPIE 9147, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy V, 91477U (6 August 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2055452

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