Interferometric beam combination with a triangular tricoupler photonic chip

Hansen, Jonah T.; Ireland, Michael; Ross-Adams, Andrew; Gross, Simon; Lagadec, Tiphaine; Travouillon, Tony; Mathew, Joice

doi:10.1117/1.jatis.8.2.025002

Cited by 5 publications

(7 citation statements)

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“…The chip features a “tricoupler” waveguide scheme, in which three inputs are fed toward each other in an equilateral triangle formation and then fed back out in three outputs. As described by Hansen et al., 44 the tricoupler results in the output beams having a phase shift of 2π3 and allows for the full recovery of the complex coherence in a single frame without modulation (see sections 2.3 and 2.4 in that paper). The three outputs that this chip provides are the minimum possible while retaining the above qualities of full information without modulation and thus maximizing throughput.…”

Section: Injection and Beam Combinationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This estimator comes from the production of an array of P2VM matrices for each spectral channel and polarization, calculated using the output flux ratios of each input following the method outlined in Ref. 44. To begin with, a matrix of trial delay phasors τ was calculated as x=[−a,−a+δ,…,a−δ,a],τ=e2πi(x⊗1λ),where a is half the coherence length, δ is the group delay resolution, x is the vector of trial delays, and λ is the vector of wavelength channels.…”

Section: Control Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As described in Ref. 44, we obtain the complex coherence of each i’th wavelength channel and polarization by multiplying the instantaneous intensity by the P2VM matrix: [frakturRfalse(γifalse)F0,ifrakturIfalse(γifalse)F0,iF0,i]=P2VMi·Ii,γi=R(γi)+iI(γi).…”

Section: Control Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Pyxis: a ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry

Hansen,

Wade,

Ireland

et al. 2023

J. Astron. Telesc. Instrum. Syst.

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In the past few years, there has been a resurgence in studies of space-based optical/ infrared interferometry, particularly with the vision to use the technique to discover and characterize temperate Earth-like exoplanets around solar analogs. One of the key technological leaps needed to make such a mission feasible is demonstrating that formation flying precision at the level needed for interferometry is possible. Here, we present Pyxis, a ground-based demonstrator for a future small satellite mission with the aim to demonstrate the precision metrology needed for spacebased interferometry. We describe the science potential of such a ground-based instrument and detail the various subsystems: three six-axis robots, a multi-stage metrology system, an integrated optics beam combiner, and the control systems required for the necessary precision and stability. We conclude by looking toward the next stage of Pyxis: a collection of small satellites in Earth orbit.

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Section: Injection and Beam Combinationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Control Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Pyxis: a ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry

Hansen,

Wade,

Ireland

et al. 2023

J. Astron. Telesc. Instrum. Syst.

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“…The use of tricouplers for space interferometry is currently being investigated. 20,21 Here we present a full chromatic treatment of a new design for a tricoupler. This design incorporates fully symmetric triangular inputs and outputs, unlike the design presented in Ref.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Today, the ultrafast laser inscription (ULI) 16 – 19 process enables efficient and precise inscription of tricouplers and other photonic devices requiring three-dimensional design freedom. The use of tricouplers for space interferometry is currently being investigated 20 , 21 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Achromatic design of a photonic tricoupler and phase shifter for broadband nulling interferometry

Klinner-Teo

Martinod

Tuthill

et al. 2022

J. Astron. Telesc. Instrum. Syst.

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Nulling interferometry is one of the most promising technologies for imaging exoplanets within stellar habitable zones. The use of photonics for carrying out nulling interferometry enables the contrast and separation required for exoplanet detection. So far, two key issues limiting current-generation photonic nullers have been identified: phase variations and chromaticity within the beam combiner. The use of tricouplers addresses both limitations, delivering a broadband, achromatic null together with phase measurements for fringe tracking. Here, we present a derivation of the transfer matrix of the tricoupler, including its chromatic behaviour, and our 3D design of a fully symmetric tricoupler, built upon a previous design proposed for the GLINT instrument. It enables a broadband null with symmetric, baseline-phase-dependent splitting into a pair of bright channels when inputs are in anti-phase. Within some design trade space, either the science signal or the fringe tracking ability can be prioritised. We also present a tapered-waveguide 180 • -phase shifter with a phase variation of 0.6 • in the 1.4 − 1.7 µm band, producing a nearachromatic differential phase between beams for optimal operation of the tricoupler nulling stage. Both devices can be integrated to deliver a deep, broadband null together with a real-time fringe phase metrology signal.

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The Pyxis Interferometer: updates and future plans

Hansen,

Ireland,

Anderson

et al. 2024

Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging IX

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In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in technology development for space-based optical and infrared interferometry. One such pathfinder is Pyxis, a set of three autonomous robotic platforms designed to operate in the carpark of Mt Stromlo Observatory, Canberra, where it will simulate formation-flying while performing optical interferometry. In this paper, we will provide an update on the interferometer, detailing the initial results of the control subsystems. We will also share our future plans to begin space qualification and adaptation of Pyxis into a set of nano-satellites.

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Interferometric beam combination with a triangular tricoupler photonic chip

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Pyxis: a ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry

Pyxis: a ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry

Achromatic design of a photonic tricoupler and phase shifter for broadband nulling interferometry

The Pyxis Interferometer: updates and future plans

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