Achieving efficient broadband spatial filtering for LIFE: status and plan
Abstract
The Large Interferometer For Exoplanet (LIFE) project aims at implementing long-baseline nulling interferometry in space to image and characterize Earth-like exoplanets. To achieve deep null depths, a spatial filter is necessary to wash away the wavefront aberrations that would otherwise be a limiting factor for the contrast. However, efficient spatial filtering with high throughput (>95%) is challenging to achieve over such a large bandwidth. In this study, we explore the possibility of broadband spatial filtering using two step-index fibers: Te-As-Se chalcogenide (TAS) and silver halide (AgBr) fibers. Using ∂Lux, we also simulate the performance of PIAA with aspherical mirrors to improve its coupling efficiency. The results show that a broadband coupling efficiency of >95% can be achieved, with a manufacturing precision of <100nm for the PIAA mirrors.
Authors 11
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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Leiden University · The University of Sydney
Affiliation as printed
Univ. of Leiden (Netherlands)
Univ. of Sydney (Australia)
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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Australian National University
Affiliation as printed
Australian National Univ. (Australia)
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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Affiliation as printed
Leiden Univ. (Netherlands)
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Affiliation as printed
ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
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