[en] During the last 8 years, we have been developing an implementation of the vector vortex coronagraph based on sub-wavelength gratings, referred to as the Annular Groove Phase Mask (AGPM). Science-grade mid-infrared AGPMs were produced in 2012, and three of them have recently been installed on world-leading diffraction-limited infrared cameras (VLT/NACO, VLT/VISIR and LBT/LMIRCam). In this talk, we will present the first results of this endeavor. During science verification observations with our L-band AGPM on VLT/NACO, we observed the beta Pictoris system and obtained unprecedented sensitivity limits to planetary companions down to the diffraction limit (0.1”). We also obtained new images of the beta Pic debris disk at L band, which nicely bridge the gap between images obtained at shorter and longer wavelengths. These results urged us to reconsider the very definition of companion detection limits at very short angles, which will become more and more critical as next-generation high-contrast imaging instruments come online. We will conclude by discussing the future orientations of the AGPM-VORTEX project, including the development of second-generation vector vortex phase masks providing an even deeper and more achromatic starlight cancellation for ELT applications.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Absil, Olivier ; Université de Liège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Language :
English
Title :
Hitting the diffraction limit: first results of the AGPM-VORTEX project
Publication date :
10 December 2013
Event name :
Exoplanets and Disks: Their Formation and Diversity II
Event organizer :
The Subaru Telescope
Event place :
Kona, United States - Hawaii
Event date :
9/12/2013 - 12/12/2013
Audience :
International
European Projects :
FP7 - 337569 - VORTEX - Taking extrasolar planet imaging to a new level with vector vortex coronagraphy