Stellar coronagraph using the principle of achromatic null-interferometer |
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Authors: | A. V. Tavrov O. I. Korablev A. V. Rodin I. I. Vinogradov A. Yu. Trokhimovsky A. Yu. Ivanov L. V. Ksanfomaliti D. A. Orlov |
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Affiliation: | 1.Space Research Institute,Russian Academy of Sciences,Moscow,Russia;2.Research Institute of High-Precision Instrument Engineering,Moscow,Russia |
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Abstract: | In order to observe exoplanets we propose a space-based achromatic stellar coronagraph combined with a 0.8–1.5 m telescope. We develop an achromatic common path interferometer for observing an exoplanet (a faint off-axis source) on the background of a hoste star (bright axial source). An image of the star and its copy acquire an achromatic phase shift by 180° and interfere in antiphase. The achromatic phase shift is caused by geometric phase in the scheme of a three-dimensional interferometer. The interference process divides spatially the dark and light fields of the star image redirecting them to the opposite sides of a beam splitter. The interference process does not weaken the image of a planet, with equal intensities it is redirected to both sides of a beam splitter. The suggested scheme of common path interferometer ensures mechanical stability. The background signal is experimentally demonstrated to be reduced by six orders of magnitude. |
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