A report on the status of astrophotonics for interferometry and beyond

TL;DR

Astrophotonics has rapidly advanced, enhancing interferometry and spectroscopy, with growing applications in current and future astronomical facilities, supported by technological innovations and recent strategic recognition.

Contribution

This report reviews the current state, technological platforms, recent results, and future potential of astrophotonics in astronomical instrumentation.

Findings

Astrophotonics benefits interferometry and spectroscopy.

Technological platforms include photolithography and laser-writing.

Recent results include simulations, laboratory tests, and on-sky prototypes.

Abstract

Long-baseline interferometry and high-resolution spectroscopy are two examples of areas that have benefited from astrophotonics devices, but the application range is expanding to other subareas and other wavelength ranges. The VLTI has been one of the pioneering astronomical infrastructure to exploit the potential of astrophotonics instrumentation for high-angular resolution interferometric observations, whereas new opportunities will arise in the context of the future ELTs. In this contribution, I review the current state of the art regarding the interplay between photonic-based solutions and astronomical instrumentation and highlight the growth of the field, as well as its recognition in recent strategy surveys such as the Decadal. I will explain the benefits of different technological platforms making use of photolithography or laser-writing techniques. I will review the most recent results in the field covering simulations, laboratory characterization and on-sky prototyping. Astrophotonics may have a unique role to play in the forthcoming era of new ground-based astronomical facilities, and possibly in the field of space science.