Astrophotonics -- current capabilities and the road ahead

Abstract

Astrophotonics represents a cutting-edge approach in observational astronomy. This paper explores the significant advancements and potential applications of astrophotonics, highlighting how photonic technologies stand to revolutionise astronomical instrumentation. Key areas of focus include photonic wavefront sensing and imaging, photonic interferometry and nulling, advanced chip fabrication methods, and the integration of spectroscopy and sensing onto photonic chips. The role of single-mode fibres in reducing modal noise, and the development of photonic integral field units (IFUs) and arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) for high-resolution, spatially resolved spectroscopy will be examined. As part of the Sydney regional-focus issue, this review aims to detail some of the current technological achievements in this field as well as to discuss the future trajectory of astrophotonics, underscoring its potential to unlock important new astronomical discoveries.