High-contrast Imaging at First Light of the GMT: Optimized coatings enabling high-throughput observations for GMagAO-X

Jaren N. Ashcraft, Sebastiaan Y. Haffert, Laird Close, Olivier Durney, Jared Males, Maggie Kautz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Giant Magellan Telescope's (GMT) high angular resolution and light collecting area are key in enabling its mission to characterize the atmospheres of rocky exoplanets. The high-contrast imaging instrument GMagAO-X will enable high-angular resolution due to its advanced wavefront sensing and control (WFS&C) techniques and coronagraphic imaging capability. However, to support high-fidelity WFS&C many intermediate optics are necessary. For commercially available coatings, the cumulative throughput of GMagAO-X ranges from 5-15%. To enhance the throughput of GMagAO-X we present a design study of customized optical coatings that enable a high broadband throughput. We implement these coatings in a polarization ray trace model of the GMagAO-X optics and investigate whether (chromatic) polarization aberrations are introduced by these coatings. These coating designs will increase the throughput of GMagAO-X significantly and bring the detection of bio-signatures within reach. We will present the results of our coating optimization strategy for high-contrast imaging instruments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation VI
EditorsRamon Navarro, Ralf Jedamzik
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510675230
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventAdvances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation VI 2024 - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: Jun 16 2024Jun 22 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13100
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceAdvances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation VI 2024
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period6/16/246/22/24

Keywords

  • coatings
  • design
  • high-contrast imaging
  • high-contrast imaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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