Phase-shifting coronagraph
Fran\c{c}ois H\'enault, Alexis Carlotti, Christophe V\'erinaud

TL;DR
This paper explores the use of phase-shifting coronagraphs as wavefront sensors to improve star light suppression in exoplanet imaging, analyzing two implementation methods through simulations.
Contribution
It introduces and compares two phase-shifting methods for coronagraphic wavefront sensing, demonstrating their potential for enhanced star extinction control.
Findings
Image plane implementation is more efficient.
Compatible with four-quadrant and vortex phase masks.
Numerical simulations optimize performance and limitations.
Abstract
With the recent commissioning of ground instruments such as SPHERE or GPI and future space observatories like WFIRST-AFTA, coronagraphy should probably become the most efficient tool for identifying and characterizing extra-solar planets in the forthcoming years. Coronagraphic instruments such as Phase mask coronagraphs (PMC) are usually based on a phase mask or plate located at the telescope focal plane, spreading the starlight outside the diameter of a Lyot stop that blocks it. In this communication is investigated the capability of a PMC to act as a phase-shifting wavefront sensor for better control of the achieved star extinction ratio in presence of the coronagraphic mask. We discuss the two main implementations of the phase-shifting process, either introducing phase-shifts in a pupil plane and sensing intensity variations in an image plane, or reciprocally. Conceptual optical…
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