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Author Hicks, Brian, author

Title Nulling interferometers for space-based high-contrast visible imaging and measurement of exoplanetary environments / Brian Hicks
Published New York : Springer, 2013
©2014

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Description 1 online resource
Series Springer theses
Springer theses.
Contents From the Contents: Exoplanet discovery from 51 Peg b to the present -- Relevant Physical Optics Concepts -- System Level Design Considerations -- Companion Signal to Noise Calculation -- Comparison of Single-Aperture Nullers designed for Space -- The Development of MANIC
Summary High-contrast astronomical imaging has progressed significantly in the past decade. Many of these techniques have been laboratory demonstrated to perform at contrast levels adequate for the detection of Solar System-like planets and dust around nearby stars. None of them, however, have been demonstrated in space. The state of the art in high-contrast imaging systems that have been built for space-based observation, the environment best suited for spectroscopic study of exo-Earths, is the nulling interferometer that was flown on the Planetary Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Rocket Experiment (PICTURE). The PICTURE nulling interferometer, built from multiple optical elements, relies on the incorporation of additional dispersive components in order to deliver the broadband performance preferred for faint object imaging. These elements add to the cost, complexity, and misalignment risk of the instrument. The Monolithic Achromatic Nulling Interference Coronagraph (MANIC) Brian Hicks describes in this thesis isthe first optic of its kind. He has taken the multiple optical element concept described in earlier works from theory to a flyable monolithic optic. BrianHickshas advanced the state of the art in nulling interferometers by improving optical stability and robustness. Following application of the fabrication method described in this work, the design of MANIC also allows for broader band performance at higher contrast than that achieved with the PICTURE nulling interferometer
Notes Print version record
Subject Imaging systems in astronomy.
Interferometers.
NATURE -- Sky Observation.
Imaging systems in astronomy
Interferometers
Genre/Form dissertations.
Academic theses
Academic theses.
Thèses et écrits académiques.
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9781461482116
1461482119