Abstract
We propose the development of a high-contrast imaging technique enabling the simultaneous and selective nulling of several light sources. This is done by realizing a reconfigurable multiple-vortex phase mask made of a liquid crystal thin film on which local topological features can be addressed electro-optically. The method is illustrated by reporting on a triple-star optical vortex coronagraphy laboratory demonstration, which can be easily extended to higher multiplicity. These results allow considering the direct observation and analysis of worlds with multiple suns and more complex extrasolar planetary systems.
- Received 18 June 2016
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.203902
© 2017 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Synopsis
Blocking out Starlight
Published 16 May 2017
A proposed telescope update could enable incoming light from multiple stars to be simultaneously blocked, making it easier to image exoplanets orbiting two or more stars.
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