A Unified Framework for Finite-Mask Coronagraphy as Applied to Exoplanet Imaging

[摘要] A large number of different coronagraphic strategies have been proposed forthe purpose of directly imaging recently discovered exoplanets. To date, thesemethods have depended on analysis of numerical simulations for theoreticalunderstanding of the system responses to illumination under different conditions. We demonstrate here that a key mathematical principle exists, whichunderlies all finite-mask coronagraphy. We use this to develop the naturallypropagating modes from pupil plane to Lyot plane with explicit reference toperturbations, both from plane waves and central design wavelength, whileretaining mostly arbitrary mask behavior. The computational work necessaryfor this method is comparable to current one-dimensional approaches.

[发布机构] Johns Hopkins University

[效力级别] Coronagraph Design

[关键词] Coronagraphy;Coronagraph Design;Physics