Quasi Band-Limited Coronagraph for Extended Sources

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new class of graded amplitude masks for Lyot coronagraphs that selectively transmit light from extended sources while highly suppressing unwanted light, enhancing high-resolution imaging of exo-planets and other astronomical objects.

Contribution

It presents a novel design of coronagraphic masks inspired by band-limited and optimal apodization techniques, improving light suppression for extended sources.

Findings

Designs achieve high contrast suppression of unwanted light.

Masks are suitable for imaging exo-planets via Solar Gravitational Lens.

Potential for high-resolution direct imaging of distant astronomical objects.

Abstract

We propose a class of graded coronagraphic "amplitude" image masks for a high throughput Lyot-type coronagraph that transmits light from an annular region around an extended source and suppresses light, with extremely high ratio, from elsewhere. The interior radius of the region is comparable with its exterior radius. The masks are designed using an idea inspired by approach due M.J. Kuchner and W.A. Traub ("band-limited" masks) and approach to optimal apodization by D.Slepian. One potential application of our masks is direct high-resolution imaging of exo-planets with the help of the Solar Gravitational Lens, where apparent radius of the "Einstein ring" image of a planet is of the order of an arc-second and is comparable with the apparent radius of the sun and solar corona. Keywords: Coronagraphy, Optimal Band-Limiting, Exo-Planets, Solar Gravitational Lens