Robust Deep Contrast Imaging with Self-Calibrating Coronagraph Systems

The detection contrast limit of High Contrast Imaging (HCI) systems is achieved by combining optical starlight suppression and image calibration techniques. For optimal sensitivity, optical starlight suppression should deliver raw contrast (prior to post-processing) such that residual starlight is below the zodiacal background level, at approximately 1e-10 to 1e-9 contrast level. Pushing detection limits ~100x below this level is required for reliable detection and characterization of habitable planets orbiting nearby Sun-like stars, and can be achieved by either further improving the raw contrast, or by accurate knowledge and calibration of residual starlight. This effort will be focused on demonstrating that the unwanted speckle field can be reliably inferred from wavefront sensing telemetry, to a level 100x below the raw contrast level. By doing so, the HCI raw contrast requirement can be relaxed, as detection limit is independent of raw contrast, provided that it is below the natural background level. The approach also provides robust image calibration, removing ambiguities between speckle noise and true astrophysical sources. Our 3-yr effort will demonstrate self-calibration of high contrast images to performance levels relevant to future exoplanet imaging missions: calibration below 1% of the raw contrast level will be demonstrated reaching below 1e-10 contrast detection limit. Algorithm development and validation will be performed with flexible in-air testbeds, followed by deep contrast demonstration in vacuum. We will validate both the hardware and software architectures required to realize a self-calibrating HCI system. Sub-% self-calibration algorithms will be first demonstrated in air at moderate contrast over a small number of degrees of freedom, and then be extended to in-air coronagraphic imaging. The in-vacuum deep contrast validation will leverage telemetry from auxiliary wavefront sensing, including coronagraphic low-order wavefront sensing and bright field imaging that is simultaneously employed for linear dark field control.

The Strategic Astrophysics Technology program (SAT) supports focused development efforts for key technologies to the point at which they are ready to feed into major missions in the three science themes of the Astrophysics Division: Exoplanet Exploration, Cosmic Origins, and the Physics of the Cosmos. This program is specifically designed to address middle technology readiness level (TRL) "gaps" between levels 3 and 6: the maturation of technologies that have been established as feasible, but which are not yet sufficiently mature to incorporate into flight missions without introducing an unacceptable level of risk.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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