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| Paper: |
The Pupil Mapping Exoplanet Coronagraphic Observer (PECO) |
| Volume: |
430, Pathways Towards Habitable Planets |
| Page: |
390 |
| Authors: |
Guyon, O.; Greene, T.; Cahoy, K.; Shaklan, S.; Tenerelli, D.; and the PECO Team |
| Abstract: |
The Pupil-mapping Exoplanet Coronagraphic Observer (PECO) is a mission concept using a coronagraphic 1.4-m space-based telescope to both image and characterize extra-solar planetary systems at optical wavelengths. PECO delivers 1010 contrast at 2 λ/D separation (0.15") using a high- performance Phase-Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA) coronagraph which remaps the telescope pupil and uses nearly all of the light coming into the aperture. PECO’s heliocentric drift-away orbit provides a stable thermal environment for wavefront control. PECO acquires narrow field images simultaneously in 16 spectral bands over wavelengths from 0.4 to 0.9 μm, utilizing all available photons for maximum wavefront sensing and sensitivity for imaging and spectroscopy. The optical design is optimized for simultaneous low-resolution spectral characterization of both planets and dust disks using a moderate-sized telescope. PECO will image the habitable zones of about 20 known F, G, K stars at a spectral resolution of R ∼15 with sensitivity sufficient to detect and characterize Earth-like planets and to map dust disks as small as a fraction of our own zodiacal dust cloud brightness. An active technology development program, including coronagraph and wavefront control laboratory demonstrations at NASA Ames and NASA JPL, is currently addressing key technology needs for PECO. |
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