Characterizing edge-generated stray light sources for TPF Coronagraph pupil masks

Daniel Ceperley; Andrew Neureuther; Michael Lieber; Jeremy Kasdin

doi:10.1117/12.617221

14 September 2005 Characterizing edge-generated stray light sources for TPF Coronagraph pupil masks

Daniel Ceperley, Andrew Neureuther, Michael Lieber, Jeremy Kasdin

Proceedings Volume 5905, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets II; 59050J (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617221
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The edge generated stray-light from corner boundary conditions, interactions with the lower mask structure, and surface plasmon polaritons that may limit Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph performance are characterized. Previously a number of stray light sources, unaccounted for by the ideal thin mask theory used to design the pupil-plane masks, were identified. In this paper we illustrate and quantify the most important outstanding stray-light sources in the near-field in order to improve the model of pupil-plane mask transmission used by the Integrated Telescope Model. Corner spikes, caused by the need to bring the ideal top-hat field into compliance with the boundary conditions set forth by Maxwell's equations, form the strongest source of stray-light, accounting for up to a 1λ shift in the effective opening width per edge. Undercutting mask edges by 20^° reduces this source of stray-light by more than a factor of five. Interactions between light and the lower mask structure, a secondary effect, account for only a few percent of the stray-light in the TE polarization but account for up to 50% of the stray-light in the TM polarization due to surface plasmon polaritons. Surface plasmon polaritons, surface waves that run for tens of microns and radiate at corners, form the final stray-light source. On thin masks they may account for up to a 1λ shift in the effective opening width; however, their effects can be easily mitigated by choosing a poor surface plasmon material, such as Chrome. The results presented here are being used to facilitate end-to-end system modeling through the Integrated Telescope Model.

Citation Download Citation

Daniel Ceperley, Andrew Neureuther, Michael Lieber, and Jeremy Kasdin "Characterizing edge-generated stray light sources for TPF Coronagraph pupil masks", Proc. SPIE 5905, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets II, 59050J (14 September 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617221

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