Direct imaging of nonsolar planets with infrared telescopes using apodized coronagraphs

Abstract

This research examines the use of modified Lyot coronagraphs with monolithic and segmented infrared telescopic systems for imaging nonsolar planets. These systems are investigated with the aim of reducing the effects of stellar diffracted energy on the planet image in the final image plane. A square telescope objective is best for this purpose. The associated coronagraph is composed of a cross-shaped apodizer in the first focal plane and either a square Lyot stop or circular corner Lyot stops in the corners of the pupil plane. We examine the consequences of segmenting the aperture and the effects of various segment spacings and random piston and tilt errors of the individual segments. A system to correct for the misalignments is proposed.