Single-element nulling interferometer for extra-solar planet detection

José A. Ferrari; Jorge L. Flores; Gonzalo Paez; Erna M. Frins

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.8.084996

21 February 2014 Single-element nulling interferometer for extra-solar planet detection

José A. Ferrari, Jorge L. Flores, Gonzalo Paez, Erna M. Frins

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 8, Issue 1, 084996 (February 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.8.084996

Abstract

Nulling interferometry is a technique for darkening the field generated by a star relative to its surroundings by destructive interference. We describe a nulling interferometer incorporating a single beam-splitter (BS) cube. The device resembles a two-arm interferometer in which the arms are together in one collimated beam, and the two beam halves interfere with the help of the BS cube. By introducing an extra π/2 -phase difference between the two beam halves, it is possible to achieve destructive interference of the star with itself, while the off-axis image of the planet remains unchanged. An experimental setup is constructed to demonstrate the nulling features of this interferometer. A star and a planet solar system are simulated to prove its performance.

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José A. Ferrari, Jorge L. Flores, Gonzalo Paez, and Erna M. Frins "Single-element nulling interferometer for extra-solar planet detection," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 8(1), 084996 (21 February 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.8.084996

Published: 21 February 2014

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