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Optical Vectorial Vortex Coronagraphs using Liquid Crystal Polymers: theory, manufacturing and laboratory
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA. Dimitri.Mawet@jpl.nasa.gov
Optics Express
|February 4, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed a new optical vectorial vortex coronagraph (OVVC) using Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP). This technology efficiently generates optical vectorial vortices for advanced astronomical observations.
Area of Science:
- Optical physics
- Coronagraphy
- Astronomical instrumentation
Background:
- Vectorial vortices are crucial for advanced optical applications.
- Generating precise phase helices for vectorial vortices has been technologically challenging.
- Existing coronagraphs often struggle with unpolarized light and wavefront aberrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel technological approach for generating optical vectorial vortices.
- To report the performance of the first laboratory-based optical vectorial vortex coronagraph (OVVC).
- To demonstrate the potential of Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP) in synthesizing vectorial vortices.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed the theory of vectorial vortices.
- Developed a method for generating phase helices using space-variant birefringence.
- Utilized Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP) to implement the geometrical phase ramp.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum peak-to-peak attenuation of 1.4x10^-2 with a topological charge 2 prototype.
- Reached a residual light level of 3x10^-5 at an angular separation of 3.5 lambda/d.
- Demonstrated successful operation at a wavelength of 1.55 micrometers.
Conclusions:
- The use of space-variant birefringence distributions is a valid method for creating new coronagraphs.
- Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP) offer an efficient path for synthesizing optical vectorial vortices.
- This technology opens possibilities for high-performance, achromatic coronagraphs with low aberration sensitivity.
