Self-nulling spectrograph for star glare rejection

Thomas D. Ditto

doi:10.1117/12.2525524

9 September 2019 Self-nulling spectrograph for star glare rejection

Thomas D. Ditto

Proceedings Volume 11117, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets IX; 111171P (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2525524
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2019, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We introduce a notional nulling interferometer for extinction of glare from single star exoplanetary systems. The principle of double dispersion telescopy correlates an incident angular position with a unique wavelength. In such telescopes, a secondary spectrograph is used to disambiguate overlapping wavelengths from the primary disperser. A single rejection band can be created in the secondary spectrograph based on the resulting wavelength modulation. Two optical paths are directed from the slit situated between the primary and secondary dispersers. Angles of incidence and path lengths are slightly offset between the pair of post-slit wave trains. By this configuration, a half wave path difference is established at the position and diameter of the host star, causing phase cancellation at a unique spectral band. Having a single rejection band avoids repetitive banding endemic to conventional interferometric telescopy. There is a tradeoff with chromatic aberration in the images of the exoplanets.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas D. Ditto "Self-nulling spectrograph for star glare rejection", Proc. SPIE 11117, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets IX, 111171P (9 September 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2525524

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available