Image formation in high-contrast optical systems: the role of polarization

Abstract

To find evidence of life in the Universe outside our solar system is one of the most compelling and visionary adventures of the 21 st century. The technologies to create the telescopes and instruments that will enable this discovery are now within the grasp of mankind. Direct imaging of a very faint planet around a neighboring bright star requires high contrast or a hypercontrast optical imaging system capable of controlling unwanted radiation within the system to one part in ten to the 11 th . This paper identifies several physical phenomena that affect image quality in high contrast imaging systems. Polarization induced at curved metallic surfaces and by anisotropy in the deposition process (Smith-Purcell effect) along with beam shifts introduced by the Goos-Hachen effect are discussed. A typical configuration is analyzed, and technical risk mitigation concepts are discussed.

Self-induced polarization anisoplanatism

“…Sources of polarization-induced anisoplanatism are identified, examples derived and the role of the complex (real and imaginary) vector waves is presented. This paper is a continuation of our previous work 1,2,3,4,5,6 on the subject of physical optics vector wave propagation through a typical astronomical telescope optical system and the affects of this propagation on scientific astronomical data quality. In 2004, Breckinridge and Oppenheimer 3 showed that polarization introduced by image forming optics internal to a telescope & coronagraph optical system adds noise to the system and masks signatures important for the characterization of exoplanets.…”