BLOCT: the bifurcated light optical coronagraphic telescope

Thomas D. Ditto; Heidi J. Newberg; Leaf Swordy

doi:10.1117/12.2676842

5 October 2023 BLOCT: the bifurcated light optical coronagraphic telescope

Thomas D. Ditto, Heidi J. Newberg, Leaf Swordy

Proceedings Volume 12680, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets XI; 1268029 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2676842
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2023, San Diego, California, United States

Conference Poster

Abstract

Coronagraphs are bandwidth limited. BLOCT takes the approach of "divide and conquer" with a front end that is dispersive. Wavelengths are addressed in exquisitely narrow bands using a process of double dispersion. First the wavefront is broken into a spectrum and then it is collimated. A matched pair of wavefronts that have been split form the basis of a long baseline interferometer. Notably this telescope draws from the entire history of astronomical optics. The initial afocal mirror telescope is a Mersenne (1636). The double dispersion traces its roots to Newton's Dual Prism Experiment (1666). The division of light into its spectrum by diffraction was first demonstrated by Rittenhouse (1785). The division of star light into wavelengths derives from von Fraunhofer (1819). The ruled plane grating was developed by Rowland (1880). The interferometric beam splitter and resulting beat pattern was developed by Michelson who measured the diameter of Betelgeuse on the Wilson telescope (1920).

Citation Download Citation

Thomas D. Ditto, Heidi J. Newberg, and Leaf Swordy "BLOCT: the bifurcated light optical coronagraphic telescope", Proc. SPIE 12680, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets XI, 1268029 (5 October 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2676842

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