Simulations Comparing the Sensitivity of the nlCWFS with the SHWFS

Abstract

We are developing a highly sensitive non-linear Curvature Wavefront Sensor (nlCWFS) which will make it possible to detect objects as dim as mv 14. In this paper we present a WFS sensitivity comparison between the nlCWFS and the SHWFS based on the ability of each WFS to reconstruct a Fourier mode, given a set signal to noise ratio. Theoretical calculations [1] [2] show that the nlCWFS increases the contrast between a host star and an orbiting planet by two orders of magnitudes. We present simulations that substantiate the theory and show that the nlCWFS can detect an object that is at least two visible magnitudes dimmer than is currently possible with the SHWFS. Since the nlCWFS operates in the photon noise limit it does not require the use of a laser guide star (LGS). We have identified two potential optical designs for the nlCWFS. Over the next year a single design will be selected to integrate the nlCWFS with the AFRL/RDS Optics Division 1.5m telescope.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA616804

Entities

People

  • John Codona
  • Mala Mateen
  • Olivier Guyon

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Amplitude
  • Atmospheric Motion
  • Coefficients
  • Contrast
  • Detectors
  • Focal Planes
  • High Resolution
  • Intensity
  • Military Research
  • Optics
  • Sensitivity
  • Simulations
  • Square Roots
  • Telescopes
  • Wavefronts

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Library and Information Science/ Studies, Southeast Asia Studies, Bibliography of Vietnam and Lao Studies.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects