The Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB): 8. end-to-end numerical modeling of the testbed to estimate the contrast limits
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The space coronagraph optical bench (SCoOB) at the University of Arizona is a high-contrast imaging testbed designed to operate in a vacuum to obtain a contrast better than 10−8 in optical wavelengths using vector vortex coronagraph (VVC) masks. The testbed performance in a half-sided D-shaped dark hole is 2.2×10−9 in a ≪ 1% BW, 4 × 10−9 in a 2% BW, and 2.5 × 10−8 in a 15% BW. While the testbed has met the design specification contrast requirements in monochromatic wavelengths, comprehensive end-to-end numerical modeling to assess contrast limits across different bandpasses has yet to be conducted. In this work, we discuss the results of numerical modeling for the SCoOB testbed in both monochromatic and 10% bandwidths at 525nm and 630nm. This modeling incorporates measured VVC retardance, modeled polarization aberrations, measured surface and reflectivity errors, and diffuse and surface reflectivity. We explore and discuss the various factors contributing to the contrast limits.
DOI: 10.1117/12.3065695
Institution: University of Arizona
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4414343545
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