Tests of achromatic phase shifters performed on the SYNAPSE test bench: a progress report

TL;DR

This paper reports on the progress of testing various achromatic phase shifters for nulling interferometry, crucial for future space missions to study Earth-like exoplanets, using the SYNAPSE test bench.

Contribution

It provides an update on the development and evaluation of four different APS prototypes for space-based interferometry.

Findings

Evaluation of four APS prototypes underway

Progress in testing on the SYNAPSE test bench

Advancement towards selecting optimal APS design

Abstract

The achromatic phase shifter (APS) is a component of the Bracewell nulling interferometer studied in preparation for future space missions (viz. Darwin/TPF-I) focusing on spectroscopic study of Earth-like exo-planets. Several possible designs of such an optical subsystem exist. Four approaches were selected for further study. Thales Alenia Space developed a dielectric prism APS. A focus crossing APS prototype was developed by the OCA, Nice, France. A field reversal APS prototype was prepared by the MPIA in Heidelberg, Germany. Centre Spatial de Li\`ege develops a concept based on Fresnel's rhombs. This paper presents a progress report on the current work aiming at evaluating these prototypes on the SYNAPSE test bench at the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale in Orsay, France.