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Astronomical Near-neighbor Detection with a Four-quadrant Phase Mask (FQPM) CoronagraphDirect detection of planets around nearby stars requires the development of high-contrast imaging techniques, because of their very different respective fluxes. We thus investigated the innovative coronagraphic approach based on the use of a four-quadrant phase mask (FQPM). Simulations showed that, combined with high-level wavefront correction on an unobscured off-axis section of a large telescope, this method allows high-contrast imaging very close to stars, with detection capability superior to that of a traditional coronagraph. A FQPM instrument was thus built to test the feasibility of near-neighbor observations with our new off-axis approach on a ground-based telescope. In June 2005, we deployed our instrument to the Palomar 200-inch telescope, using existing facilities as much as possible for rapid implementation. In these initial observations, using data processing techniques specific to FQPM coronagraphs, we reached extinction levels of the order of 200:1. Here we discuss our simulations and on-sky results obtained so far.
Document ID
20070011685
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Haguenauer, Pierre
Serabyn, Eugene
Mennesson, Bertrand
Wallace, James K.
Gappinger, Robert O.
Troy, Mitchell
Bloemhof, Eric E.
Moore, Jim
Koresko, Chris D.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
May 24, 2006
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Meeting Information
Meeting: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation
Location: Orlando, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: May 24, 2006
End Date: May 31, 2006
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
phase mask
coronagraphy

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