Adapting JWST post-processing software for high contrast imaging with Roman/CGI and a Future Direct Imaging Flagship Mission

Implement, test and demonstrate model-based post-processing techniques on simulated Roman coronagraph images to inform observing strategies for the Roman coronagraph technology demonstration and to inform the design and operations of future space-based high-contrast imaging instruments. The model-based approach enables utilization of the observatory’s routine wavefront measurements and other telemetry to calibrate stellar residuals without the need for time-consuming calibration exposures on an object-by-object basis.

Model-based techniques of data processing for high contrast imaging are a powerful but unproven path to address challenges of High Contrast Imaging (HCI) instruments. While achieving coronographic contrast goals is extremely challenging purely from a hardware standpoint, advances in software analysis techniques can complement advances in hardware technology to improve performance and reduce the risk to mission goals for Roman/CGI and the future direct imaging flagship (Astro2020 -recommended infrared/optical/UV flagship mission with telescope size intermediate between HabEx and LUVOIR concepts)

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