A multi-object spectrograph using single-mode fibers with a coronagraph: progress towards laboratory results on the high-contrast testbed for segmented telescopes

Abstract

Using single-mode fibers (SMFs) in the image plane of coronagraphs allows access to a new wavefront control regime. By using deformable mirrors to create a mismatch between the incoming starlight and the fiber mode, SMFs can serve as integral parts of the light suppression ability of the coronagraph. Previous promising simulation results show increased spectral bandwidth and throughput when using SMFs in a multi-object role, and previous laboratory results have shown increased light suppression using a single SMF. We present an update on efforts to combine a multi-core SMF with a high-resolution spectrograph on the High Contrast Testbed for Segmented Telescopes (HCST) at Caltech. We present our planned experimental design, as well as simulations of expected performance when controlling multiple fiber cores on HCST. We will test the potential increase in spectral bandpass and throughput resulting from the switch to SMFs, as well as the stability of the wavefront control solution.