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| Paper: |
Exploring the Coronagraph Trade Space for Exoplanet Direct Imaging Yield |
| Monograph: |
11, HWO25 Proceedings Part II: Mission Framework, Technology, and Broader Contributions |
| Page: |
185 |
| Authors: |
Armen Tokadjian, Michael Turmon, Rhonda Morgan, Mario Damiano, Bertrand Mennesson, Dmitry Savransky, Chris Stark, Jouni Susiluoto, Corey Spohn, and Sarah Steiger |
| DOI: |
10.26624/MRQN5281 |
| Abstract: |
We quantify how coronagraph performance maps into exoplanet yield for a direct imaging mission in the context of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) using the open source exoplanet imaging mission simulator EXOSIMS. We compare (i) the ∼40 designs from the Coronagraph Design Survey (CDS), with (ii) a parameterized survey (Cor1) that sweeps a grid in core throughput, contrast, inner working angle (IWA), and noise-floor. We also compare yield results with simulations from the Altruistic Yield Optimizer (AYO). Across the CDS designs, we find that EXOSIMS delivers the largest number of characterized planets for the optical vortex coronagraphs (OVC) and photonic integrated circuit coronagraphs (PIC) in all scenarios, followed closely by the phase-apodized-pupil Lyot coronagraph (PAPLC), consistent with the trends observed in AYO simulations. In Cor1, yield improves with larger maximum core throughput (zCT_{\max}z), smaller IWA, deeper contrast at the IWA (zr_{c,\mathrm{IWA}}z), steeper contrast slope exterior to the IWA (zγz), and stronger post-processing factor (ppf) which corresponds to a deeper noise floor. We find that the most important features for maximizing yield is the ppf (the noise floor) and the contrast of the coronagraph at the IWA. We observe only mild improvements for smaller zαz (throughput slope) and larger zβz (contrast slope interior to IWA). These results suggest clear design levers and reveal unexplored regions of parameter space with promising yield. |
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