The MICADO first light imager for the ELT: Testing the Lyot coronograph prototypes

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and testing of Lyot coronograph prototypes for MICADO, the first light imager for the ELT, aimed at high contrast imaging of exoplanets and disks.

Contribution

It presents the design and testing progress of the coronographic components, including the first prototypes, for MICADO's high contrast imaging mode.

Findings

Successful testing of the first Lyot coronagraph prototypes

Design validation of coronagraphic components for MICADO

Advancement towards high contrast imaging capabilities

Abstract

MICADO, the European Extremely Large Telescope first light imager will feature a dedicated high contrast imaging mode specifically designed for observing and characterizing exoplanets and circumstellar disks. Its improved sensitivity and angular resolution, compared to existing instruments will significantly increase our knowledge on these planetary systems. MICADO will include three classical Lyot coronagraphs, one vector phase-apodized pupil plane (vAPP) and two sparse apertures. After rapidly describing the final design of MICADO high contrast mode, we will describe the current state of development of the coronographic components and the testing of the first Lyot coronagraph prototypes.