A novel high-contrast imaging technique based on optical tunneling to search for faint companions around bright stars at the limit of diffraction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new high-contrast imaging method using optical tunneling to improve detection of faint objects near bright stars, avoiding diffraction residuals common in traditional techniques.

Contribution

It applies integrated optics-based optical tunneling for high-contrast imaging, offering an alternative to coronagraphy with potentially better suppression of diffraction residuals.

Findings

Theoretical framework for optical tunneling in high-contrast imaging.

Laboratory demonstration of the technique.

Potential for improved detection of faint companions.

Abstract

We present a novel application of optical tunneling in the context of high-angular resolution, high-contrast techniques with the aim of improving direct imaging capabilities of faint companions in the vicinity of bright stars. In contrast to existing techniques like coronagraphy, we apply well-established techniques from integrated optics to exclusively extinct a very narrow angular direction coming from the sky. This extinction is achieved in the pupil plane and does not suffer from diffraction pattern residuals. We give a comprehensive presentation of the underlying theory as well as first laboratory results.