Wavelength-Resolved Photonic Lantern Wavefront Sensor

Abstract

The University of Central Florida invention is a wavelength-resolved photonic lantern wavefront sensor. It is a high-accuracy, compact, robust system with broadband optical and near-infrared response. The technology can be used to measure the incoming wavefront from a telescope or other optic as a function of wavelength across the bandpass with no moving parts. This information can be used for wavefront control, such as in adaptive optics or active optical systems used for free-space laser communications, remote sensing, and astronomy.

Technical Details: One application of the invention would be as a wavefront sensor for high-contrast coronagraphic imaging systems for space telescopes. In this context, a broadband wavelength-resolved photonic lantern wavefront sensor (PLWFS) precisely determines the in-band, in-field wavefront delivered to the detector focal plane of high-contrast imaging systems. This allows the system to eliminate Non-Common-Path Aberrations (NCPA) which would otherwise prevent it from achieving the ultimate scientific performance goals. At the same time, the PLWFS enhances the sensitivity to wavefront errors and allows the observation of fainter stars—significantly enhancing the number of target stars (and thus planets) accessible with the upcoming mission. While other focal plane wavefront sensor technologies exist, the PLWFS is uniquely compatible with the proposed designs for NASA's LUVOIR and HabEx coronagraphy due to its compact package and passive sensitivity to the amplitude and phase of the focal plane light distribution across a large wavelength band. Another application would be as a spatial/spectral mode demultiplexer for quantum-inspired imaging with resolution better than the classical diffraction limit and approaching the quantum limit at the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound.

Partnering Opportunity: The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.

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