Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2009-12-11
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Scientific paper
High-contrast coronagraphy will be needed to image and characterize faint extra-solar planetary systems. Coronagraphy is a rapidly evolving field, and many enhanced alternatives to the classical Lyot coronagraph have been proposed in the past ten years. Here, we discuss the operation of the vector vortex coronagraph, which is one of the most efficient possible coronagraphs. We first present recent laboratory results, and then first light observations at the Palomar observatory. Our near-infrared H-band (centered at ~ 1.65 microns) and K-band (centered at ~ 2.2 microns) vector vortex devices demonstrated excellent contrast results in the lab, down to ~ 1e-6 at an angular separation of 3 lb/d. On sky, we detected a brown dwarf companion 3000 times fainter than its host star (HR 7672) in the Ks band (centered at ~2.15 microns), at an angular separation of ~ 2.5 lb/d. Current and next-generation high-contrast instruments can directly benefit from the demonstrated capabilities of such a vector vortex: simplicity, small inner working angle, high optical throughput (>90%), and maximal off-axis discovery space.
Burruss Rick
Hickey Jeff
Liewer Kurt
Mawet Dimitri
Serabyn Eugen
No associations
LandOfFree
The Vector Vortex Coronagraph: Laboratory Results and First Light at Palomar Observatory does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Vector Vortex Coronagraph: Laboratory Results and First Light at Palomar Observatory, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Vector Vortex Coronagraph: Laboratory Results and First Light at Palomar Observatory will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-468647