Polarization Holography with liquid crystals polymers and applications

Conference (2012, December 10)

Liquid Crystals Polymers are birefringent molecules locally orientable. By recording the polarization pattern due to the overlap of differently polarized beams on LCP, space-variant retarders are realized ... [more ▼]

Liquid Crystals Polymers are birefringent molecules locally orientable. By recording the polarization pattern due to the overlap of differently polarized beams on LCP, space-variant retarders are realized. We present two applications polarization holography and coronagraphy [less ▲]

Design, manufacturing, and performance analysis of mid-infrared achromatic half-wave plates with diamond subwavelength gratings

in Applied Optics (2012), 51

In this paper, we present an elegant solution for creating robust monolithic achromatic half-wave plates (HWPs) for the infrared, based on the form birefringence of subwavelength gratings (SWGs) made out ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we present an elegant solution for creating robust monolithic achromatic half-wave plates (HWPs) for the infrared, based on the form birefringence of subwavelength gratings (SWGs) made out of diamond. We use the rigorous coupled wave analysis to design the gratings. Our analysis shows that diamond, besides its outstanding physical and mechanical properties, is a suitable substrate to manufacture mid-infrared HWPs, thanks to its high refractive index which allows etching SWGs with lower aspect ratio. Based on our optized design, we manufactured a diamond HWP for the 11-13.2 µm region, with an estimated mean retardance ~3.143 ± 0.061 rad (180.08 ± 3.51°). In addition, an antireflective grating was etched on the backside of the wave plate, allowing a total tansmittance between 89 and 95% over the band. [less ▲]

A diamond AGPM coronagraph for VISIR

in Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy IV (2012, July 05)

In recent years, phase mask coronagraphy has become increasingly efficient in imaging the close environment of stars, enabling the search for exoplanets and circumstellar disks. Coronagraphs are ideally ... [more ▼]

In recent years, phase mask coronagraphy has become increasingly efficient in imaging the close environment of stars, enabling the search for exoplanets and circumstellar disks. Coronagraphs are ideally suited instruments, characterized by high dynamic range imaging capabilities, while preserving a small inner working angle. The AGPM (Annular Groove Phase Mask, Mawet et al. 20051) consists of a vector vortex induced by a rotationally symmetric subwavelength grating. This technique constitutes an almost unique solution to the achromatization at longer wavelengths (mid-infrared). For this reason, we have specially conceived a mid-infrared AGPM coronagraph for the forthcoming upgrade of VISIR, the mid-IR imager and spectrograph on the VLT at ESO (Paranal), in collaboration with members of the VISIR consortium. The implementation phase of the VISIR Upgrade Project is foreseen for May-August 2012, and the AGPM installed will cover the 11-13.2 μm spectral range. In this paper, we present the entire fabrication process of our AGPM imprinted on a diamond substrate. Diamond is an ideal material for mid-infrared wavelengths owing to its high transparency, small dispersion, extremely low thermal expansion and outstanding mechanical and chemical properties. The design process has been performed with an algorithm based on the rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA), and the micro-fabrication has been carried out using nano-imprint lithography and reactive ion etching. A precise grating profile metrology has also been conducted using cleaving techniques. Finally, we show the deposit of fiducials (i.e. centering marks) with Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP). We conclude with the ultimate coronagraph expected performances. [less ▲]

Taking the vector vortex coronagraph to the next level for ground- and space-based exoplanet imaging instruments: review of technology developments in the USA, Japan, and Europe

in Shaklan, Stuart (Ed.) Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets V. (2011, September 01)

The Vector Vortex Coronagraph (VVC) is one of the most attractive new-generation coronagraphs for ground- and space-based exoplanet imaging/characterization instruments, as recently demonstrated on sky at ... [more ▼]

The Vector Vortex Coronagraph (VVC) is one of the most attractive new-generation coronagraphs for ground- and space-based exoplanet imaging/characterization instruments, as recently demonstrated on sky at Palomar and in the laboratory at JPL, and Hokkaido University. Manufacturing technologies for devices covering wavelength ranges from the optical to the mid-infrared, have been maturing quickly. We will review the current status of technology developments supported by NASA in the USA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory-California Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, JDSU and BEAMCo), Europe (University of Li`ege, Observatoire de Paris- Meudon, University of Uppsala) and Japan (Hokkaido University, and Photonics Lattice Inc.), using liquid crystal polymers, subwavelength gratings, and photonics crystals, respectively. We will then browse concrete perspectives for the use of the VVC on upcoming ground-based facilities with or without (extreme) adaptive optics, extremely large ground-based telescopes, and space-based internal coronagraphs. [less ▲]

First manufactured diamond AGPM vector vortex for the L- and N-bands: metrology and expected performances

Conference (2010, October 28)

The AGPM (Annular Groove Phase Mask, Mawet et al. 2005) is an optical vectorial vortex coronagraph (or vector vortex) synthesized by a circular subwavelength grating, that is a grating with a period ... [more ▼]

The AGPM (Annular Groove Phase Mask, Mawet et al. 2005) is an optical vectorial vortex coronagraph (or vector vortex) synthesized by a circular subwavelength grating, that is a grating with a period smaller than λ/n (λ being the observed wavelength and n the refractive index of the grating substrate). Since it is a phase mask, it allows to reach a high contrast with a small working angle. Moreover, its subwavelength structure provides a good achromatization over wide spectral bands. Recently, we have manufactured and measured our first N-band prototypes that allowed us to validate the reproducibility of the microfabrication process. Here, we present newly produced mid-IR diamond AGPMs in the N-band (~10 µm), and in the most wanted L-band (~3.5 µm). We first give an extrapolation of the expected coronagraph performances. We then present the manufacturing and measurement results, using diamond-optimized microfabrication techniques such as nano-imprint lithography (NIL) and reactive ion etching (RIE). Finally, the subwavelength grating profile metrology combines surface metrology (scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, white light interferometry) with diffractometry on an optical polarimetric bench and cross correlation with theoretical simulations using rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA). [less ▲]

Development of a CELestial Infrared Nuller Experiment (CELINE) for broadband nulling and new single-mode fiber testing

in Danchi, W. C.; Delpancke, F.; Rajagopal, J. K. (Eds.) Optical and Infrared Interferometry II (2010, July)

he small angular distance (<100 mas) and the huge flux ratio (107) between an Earth-like exoplanet in the socalled habitable zone and its host star makes it very difficult to direct image such systems ... [more ▼]

he small angular distance (<100 mas) and the huge flux ratio (107) between an Earth-like exoplanet in the socalled habitable zone and its host star makes it very difficult to direct image such systems. Nulling interferometry consists of a very powerful technique that combines destructively the light from two or more collectors to dim the starlight and to reveal faint companions in its vicinity. We have developed a new nulling experiment based on the fiber nuller principle. This fully symmetric reflective nulling bench aims at testing broadband nulling in both H and K bands as well as characterizing photonic fibers for modal filtering. We present in this paper the design, the development as well as preliminary results of the experiment. [less ▲]

Annular Groove Phase Mask coronagraph in diamond for mid-IR wavelengths

Poster (2010, April 25)

Science case for 1 mas spectro-imagining in the near-infrared

in Schöller, Markus; Danchi, William; Delplancke, Françoise (Eds.) Optical and Infrared Interferometry (2008, July 01)

We present the work developed within the science team of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer Spectro-Imager (VSI) during the Phase A studies. VSI aims at delivering ~ 1 milliarcsecond resolution data ... [more ▼]

We present the work developed within the science team of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer Spectro-Imager (VSI) during the Phase A studies. VSI aims at delivering ~ 1 milliarcsecond resolution data cubes in the near-infrared, with several spectral resolutions up to 12 000, by combining up to 8 VLTI telescopes. In the design of an instrument, the science case plays a central role by supporting the instrument construction decision, defining the top-level requirements and balancing design options. The overall science philosophy of VSI was that of a general user instrument serving a broad community. The science team addressed themes which included several areas of astrophysics and illustrated specific modes of operation of the instrument: a) YSO disks and winds; b) Multiplicity of young stars; c) Exoplanets; d) Debris disks; e) Stellar surface imaging; f) The environments of evolved stars; g) AGN tori; h) AGN's Broad Line Region; i) Supermassive black-holes; and j) Microlensing. The main conclusions can be summarized as follows: a) The accessible targets and related science are extremely sensitive to the instrument limiting magnitude; the instrument should be optimized for sensitivity and have its own fringe tracker. b) Most of the science cases are readily achievable with on-axis fringe tracking, off-axis fringe tracking enabling extra science. c) In most targets (YSOs, evolved stars and AGNs), the interpretation and analysis of circumstellar/nuclear dust morphology requires direct access to the gas via spectral resolved studies of emission lines, requiring at least a spectral resolution of 2 500. d) To routinely deliver images at the required sensitivity, the number of telescopes in determinant, with 6 telescopes being favored. e) The factorial increase in the number of closure phases and visibilities, gained in a single observation, makes massive surveys of parameters and related science for the first time possible. f) High dynamic range imaging and very high dynamic range differential closure phase are possible allowing the study of debris disks and characterization of pegasides. g) Spectro-imaging in the near-infrared is highly complementary to ALMA, adaptive optics and interferometric imaging in the thermal infrared. [less ▲]

Infrared achromatic phase shifters using modulated total internal reflection

in Monnier, John D; Schöller, Markus; Danchi, William C (Eds.) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Conference Series "Advances in Stellar Interferometry" - SPIE Conference 6268 (2006, July 01)

We propose a new family of achromatic phase shifters that uses the modulated total internal reflection (TIR) phenomenon. These components can be seen as enhanced Fresnel rhombs for infrared applications ... [more ▼]

We propose a new family of achromatic phase shifters that uses the modulated total internal reflection (TIR) phenomenon. These components can be seen as enhanced Fresnel rhombs for infrared applications like nulling interferometry and polarimetry. The TIR phenomenon comes with a differential phase shift between the polarization components of the incident light. Modulating the index transition at the TIR interface allows compensating for the intrinsic material dispersion in order to make the subsequent phase shift achromatic over broad bands. The modulation can be induced by a thin film of a well-chosen medium or a subwavelength grating whose parameters are specially optimized. We present results from theoretical simulations together with preliminary fabrication outcomes. [less ▲]

Antireflective subwavelength patterning of IR optics

in Proceedings of SPIE (2006), 6395

Thermal infrared (IR) lenses require efficient anti-reflection coating. Moth-eye (or egg-box) 2D subwavelength gratings have demonstrated their ability to reach a very high transmission for a wide ... [more ▼]

Thermal infrared (IR) lenses require efficient anti-reflection coating. Moth-eye (or egg-box) 2D subwavelength gratings have demonstrated their ability to reach a very high transmission for a wide wavelength and angular range. The use in thermal IR is simplified by the lower resolution for lithographic technology, compared to visible waveband. However, deeper structures must be engraved and lithography must be adapted to IR materials. In order to be cost-effective, the patterning must be produced by replication techniques, such as embossing. Our laboratory is now experimenting hot embossing of moth-eye patterns in chalcogenide substrates. In this paper, theoretical analysis, micro-lithographic technology and manufacturing processes are detailed. [less ▲]