Dr. Ramya M Anche

The next generation of space and ground-based telescopes aims to directly image an Earth-twin to detect habitable biosignatures. Various technologies, such as coronagraphs and wavefront control algorithms used on space-based high-contrast imaging instruments, are usually tested on high-contrast imaging testbeds in a vacuum environment. The Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB) at the University of Arizona Space Astrophysics Lab is one such testbed that has been operational for the last three years. I will discuss end-to-end diffraction simulations of the testbed and comparisons with current testbed performance in vacuum. As a precursor to future direct imaging observations using large space telescopes, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch next year. I will describe the capabilities of the Roman Coronagraph instrument, focusing particularly on its high-contrast polarimetry mode and the planned polarimetric observations following its commissioning. Continuing on the polarimetry theme, I will outline a proposed polarimeter, GMT-Pol, designed for the Giant Magellan Telescope, and finally briefly discuss a mission concept called PUFFINS being proposed for NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers.