Diffraction analysis of large segmented mirror concepts for exoplanet exploration

Abstract

Diffraction effects of large segmented mirror gaps and secondary mirror support struts produce diffraction peaks or flares that are a detriment to exoplanet detection. In this paper we present detailed parametric diffraction analyses of an innovative "Pinwheel Pupil" segmented mirror concept utilizing curved segment gaps and secondary support struts that can potentially eliminate these diffraction flares that can obscure a faint exoplanet image. The resulting numerical diffraction performance predictions are quantitatively compared to that of both ideal monolithic circular pupils and classical annular pupils with straight secondary mirror struts. We utilize performance – based merit functions consisting of both radial and azimuthal profiles of the resulting telescope point spread function.

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