Paper 13100-103
RISTRETTO: the PIAA Nuller in the prototyping phase
20 June 2024 • 16:45 - 17:00 Japan Standard Time | Room G214, North - 2F
Abstract
The objective of the coronagraphic IFU of RISTRETTO is to enable High Dispersion Coronagraphy of planets
at a distance of 2λ/D from their star, without compromising on transmission. The new idea of a PIAA Nuller
(PIAAN) allows contrast down to 10−5 over large bandwidth ≥ 25%, with high transmission ≥ 70% at the
distance of 2λ/D. While RISTRETTO will be installed on a VLT, this development is of tremendous importance
for fully exploiting future ELTs XAO. We will discuss our PIAAN prototyping activities. This covers 1) the
characterisation of our 2nd set of IFU bundles, with 3D-printed MLAs; 2) the characterisation of our first PIAA
optics; 3) the integration of a high contrast bench, planned for prototyping of Front-End control strategies; 4)
the characterisation of the PIAAN system on the bench.
Presenter
Nathanaël Restori
Univ. de Genève (Switzerland)