Photonic lattices for astronomical interferometry

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of photonic lattices, specifically Discrete Beam Combiners, for enhancing astronomical interferometry by enabling simultaneous combination of multiple telescopes, with theoretical modeling and performance analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed theoretical model of Discrete Beam Combiners and compares their performance to traditional beam combiners in astronomical applications.

Findings

DBC performance approaches ideal ABCD beam combiners

Theoretical models align with potential practical implementations

Applications could improve imaging in optical interferometry

Abstract

Regular two-dimensional lattices of evanescently coupled waveguides may provide in the near future photonic components capable of combining interferometrically and simultaneously a large number of telescopes, thus easing the imaging capabilities of optical interferometers. In this paper, the theoretical modeling of the so-called Discrete Beam Combiners (DBC) is described and compared to the conventional model used for photonic beam combiners for astronomical interferometry. The performance of DBCs as compared to an ideal ABCD beam combiner is discussed and applications to astronomical instrumentation analyzed.