The space coronagraph optical bench (SCoOB): 1. Design and assembly of a vacuum-compatible coronagraph testbed for spaceborne high-contrast imaging technology

Ashcraft, Jaren N.; Choi, Heejoo; Douglas, Ewan S.; Derby, Kevin; Gorkom, Kyle Van; Kim, Daewook; Anche, Ramya M.; Carter, Alex; Durney, Olivier; Haffert, Sebastiaan Y.; Harrison, Lori; Kautz, Maggie; Lumbres, Jennifer; Males, Jared R.; Milani, Kian; Montoya, Oscar M.; Smith, George A.

doi:10.1117/12.2628855

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…For the VVC, we used the physical optics model of the University of Arizona Space and Astrophysics Lab's (UASAL) Space Coronagraph Optical Benchtop (SCoOB) model built using POPPY. 7,8 SCoOB is a vacuumcompatible charge-6 VVC testbed which uses a 32 × 32 actuator Boston Micromachines Kilo-DM for wavefront correction. We use the SCoOB model as a stepping stone for adapting our model to a flight-like system being proposed for NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory, allowing us to test and validate our wavefront sensing and control loops in the lab.…”

Section: Vector Vortex Coronagraphmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Future observatories will be equipped with advanced coronagraphs with the goal of reaching 10 -10 or higher contrast to survey large populations of exoplanets and search for signatures of life. Currently, 10 -8 to 10 -10 contrasts have been demonstrated in laboratory settings, [7][8][9][10][11] but significant work is needed to translate these to observatory operation. Even as contrasts dive deeper, limited photon flux remains a fundamental constraint when trying to detect small exoplanets.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrated modeling of wavefront sensing and control for space telescopes utilizing active and adaptive optics

Derby,

Milani,

Blomquist

et al. 2023

Astronomical Optics: Design, Manufacture, and Test of Space and Ground Systems IV

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Extreme wavefront correction is required for coronagraphs on future space telescopes to reach 10 -8 or better starlight suppression for the direct imaging and characterization of exoplanets in reflected light. Thus, a suite of wavefront sensors working in tandem with active and adaptive optics are used to achieve stable, nanometerlevel wavefront control over long observations. In order to verify wavefront control systems, comprehensive and accurate integrated models are needed. These should account for any sources of on-orbit error that may degrade performance past the limit imposed by photon noise.An integrated model of wavefront sensing and control for a space-based coronagraph was created using geometrical raytracing and physical optics propagation methods. Our model concept consists of an active telescope front end in addition to a charge-6 vector vortex coronagraph instrument. The telescope uses phase retrieval to guide primary mirror bending modes and secondary mirror position to control the wavefront error within tens of nanometers. The telescope model is dependent on raytracing to simulate these active optics corrections for compensating the wavefront errors caused by misalignments and thermal gradients in optical components. Entering the coronagraph, a self-coherent camera is used for focal plane wavefront sensing and digging the dark hole. We utilize physical optics propagation to model the coronagraphy's sensitivity to mid and high-order wavefront errors caused by optical surface errors and pointing jitter. We use our integrated models to quantify expected starlight suppression versus wavefront sensor signal-to-noise ratio.

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Section: Vector Vortex Coronagraphmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated modeling of wavefront sensing and control for space telescopes utilizing active and adaptive optics

Derby,

Milani,

Blomquist

et al. 2023

Astronomical Optics: Design, Manufacture, and Test of Space and Ground Systems IV

Self Cite

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“…The straightforward single Deformable Mirror (DM) instrument layouts are inspired by the CDEEP/SCoOB and PICTURE-C designs. [115][116][117][118] ESC concept is built around survey bright stars for reflected light from planets and the the stellar flux enables sensing of the telescope WFE much more precisely than in the general astrophysics example above, enabling control down to the sub-nanometer regime required to reach 10 −8 contrasts with a simple charge-6 vector vortex coronagraph and continuous dark hole wavefront sensing, a concept described in more detail in Derby et al 100…”

Section: Extra-solar Cameramentioning

confidence: 99%

Approaches to lowering the cost of large space telescopes

Douglas,

Aldering,

Allan

et al. 2023

Astronomical Optics: Design, Manufacture, and Test of Space and Ground Systems IV

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New development approaches, including launch vehicles and advances in sensors, computing, and software, have lowered the cost of entry into space, and have enabled a revolution in low-cost, high-risk Small Satellite (SmallSat) missions. To bring about a similar transformation in larger space telescopes, it is necessary to reconsider the full paradigm of space observatories. Here we will review the history of space telescope development and cost drivers, and describe an example conceptual design for a low cost 6.5 m optical telescope to enable new science when operated in space at room temperature. It uses a monolithic primary mirror of borosilicate glass, drawing on lessons and tools from decades of experience with ground-based observatories and instruments, as well as flagship space missions. It takes advantage, as do large launch vehicles, of increased computing power and space-worthy commercial electronics in low-cost active predictive control systems to maintain stability. We will describe an approach that incorporates science and trade study results that address driving requirements such as integration and testing costs, reliability, spacecraft jitter, and wavefront stability in this new risk-tolerant "LargeSat" context.

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“…The University of Arizona Space Astrophysics Lab's (UASAL) Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB) testbed 1,2 is under development as a vacuum-compatible high-contrast imaging and wavefront control testbed 3 to test hardware and algorithms for use in future space-based coronagraphs that will image earth-like exoplanets. As the performance of SCoOB improves, there is concern that its source optics will be a limiting factor in achievable contrast.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microfabricated pinholes for high contrast imaging testbeds

Jenkins,

Van Gorkom,

Derby

et al. 2023

Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets XI

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In order to reach contrast ratios of 10 −8 and beyond, coronagraph testbeds need source optics that reliably emulate nearly-point-like starlight, with microfabricated pinholes being a compelling solution. To verify, a physical optics model of the Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB) source optics, including a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) pinhole simulation, was created. The results of the FDTD simulation show waveguide-like behavior of pinholes. We designed and fabricated microfabricated pinholes for SCoOB made from an aluminum overcoated silicon nitride film overhanging a silicon wafer substrate, and report characterization of the completed pinholes.

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The space coronagraph optical bench (SCoOB): 1. Design and assembly of a vacuum-compatible coronagraph testbed for spaceborne high-contrast imaging technology

Cited by 4 publications

References 0 publications

Integrated modeling of wavefront sensing and control for space telescopes utilizing active and adaptive optics

Integrated modeling of wavefront sensing and control for space telescopes utilizing active and adaptive optics

Approaches to lowering the cost of large space telescopes

Microfabricated pinholes for high contrast imaging testbeds

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