The VORTEX coronagraphic test bench

TL;DR

The paper introduces the VODCA test bench designed to evaluate the performance of vortex coronagraphs, specifically AGPMs, in the infrared spectrum, enabling wavefront correction and testing of various coronagraphic concepts.

Contribution

It presents the design and capabilities of a new infrared coronagraphic test bench for assessing AGPMs and related wavefront correction techniques.

Findings

Test bench successfully evaluates AGPM performance across multiple infrared bands.

Integration of wavefront sensing and correction enables improved coronagraphic performance.

Framework supports testing of additional coronagraphic concepts like apodization.

Abstract

In this paper, we present the infrared coronagraphic test bench of the University of Li\`ege named VODCA (Vortex Optical Demonstrator for Coronagraphic Applications). The goal of the bench is to assess the performances of the Annular Groove Phase Masks (AGPMs) at near- to mid-infrared wavelengths. The AGPM is a subwavelength grating vortex coronagraph of charge two (SGVC2) made out of diamond. The bench is designed to be completely achromatic and will be composed of a super continuum laser source emitting in the near to mid-infrared, several parabolas, diaphragms and an infrared camera. This way, we will be able to test the different AGPMs in the M, L, K and H bands. Eventually, the bench will also allow the computation of the incident wavefront aberrations on the coronagraph. A reflective Lyot stop will send most of the stellar light to a second camera to perform low-order wavefront sensing. This second system coupled with a deformable mirror will allow the correction of the wavefront aberrations. We also aim to test other pre- and/or post-coronagraphic concepts such as optimal apodization.