Starlight Nulling Technology at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Abstract

The current interests in extra-solar planet detection and space-based and ground-based interferometry for astronomical observations have led to the development of a number of nulling instruments at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and elsewhere. This paper 12 summarizes briefly JPL's efforts in nulling interferometry to date and consists of illustrations of some key nulling technologies. The basic optical layouts of instruments demonstrating three different nulling techniques are shown. In an effort to narrow the area of discussion, some notable nulling efforts made elsewhere will not be included.