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Vector-apodizing phase plate coronagraph: design, current performance, and future development [Invited]
Applied Optics
|July 15, 2021
Summary
The vector-apodizing phase plate (vAPP) coronagraph is a broadband technology enabling high-contrast imaging. Seven vAPPs have been successfully deployed on major telescopes, providing valuable scientific data.
Area of Science:
- * Astronomy and Astrophysics
- * Optical Instrumentation
Background:
- * The vector-apodizing phase plate (vAPP) coronagraph has advanced significantly over the past decade.
- * It is now a key component in high-contrast imaging systems on 8-meter class telescopes.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the design, development, commissioning, and performance of vAPP coronagraphs.
- * To present scientific results and discuss future applications of vAPP technology.
Main Methods:
- * vAPP coronagraphs utilize geometric-phase patterned liquid-crystal technology for broadband operation.
- * Manufacturing relies on direct-write technology for precise liquid-crystal patterning.
- * Efficiency is optimized by tuning the retardance of the liquid-crystal retarder.
Main Results:
- * Seven vAPPs have been installed on six instruments since 2015, including Magellan/MagAO, Magellan/MagAO-X, Subaru/SCExAO, and LBT/LMIRcam.
- * These vAPPs achieve high efficiencies (>96%) across visible to thermal infrared wavelengths (0.55 µm to 5 µm).
- * Integrated with integral field spectrographs, vAPPs provide low-resolution spectra (R ~ 30) from 1 µm to 5 µm.
Conclusions:
- * vAPP coronagraphs are a mature and effective technology for high-contrast imaging.
- * Lessons learned from deployed systems inform future vAPP development and applications.
- * Continued advancements promise enhanced capabilities for exoplanet detection and characterization.
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