Active Optics and Coronography with the Hubble Space Telescope

Abstract

In the field of planet and proto-planetary disk detection, achieving high angular resolution and high dynamic range is a necessity. Coronography coupled with adaptive optics on Hubble Space Telescope is a way to get both good spatial resolution and high dynamic range. However, because of the residual figure errors on the primary and on the secondary, HST has a scattered light level that prevents it from detecting extra-solar planets. Our simulations show that by using an active mirror (400-1000 actuators) in the optical path of HST with adaptive optics, we can correct the mirror errors and decrease the scattering level by a factor $10^{2}$ (from $10^{-4}$ to $10^{-6}$ fainter than the star). Furthermore, by controlling the spatial frequencies of the active mirror with a {\em dark hole\/} algorithm we can decrease the scattering level in image zones where planet detection is likely. Using this technique, we have succeeded in decreasing the scattering level to $3\times 10^{-8}$ of the star intensity within 1 arcsec from the central star. This will allow the detection of a Jupiter-like planet $10^{-9}$ times dimmer than the central star located 10 pc away in 1 hour of integration time with a signal-to-noise ratio of 5. This paper describes the method used to determine the actuator strokes applied to a deformable mirror to achieve planet detection and the design of a coronograph which implements this novel technique.