A high-contrast imaging coronagraph for segmented-mirror large aperture telescopes using a spatial light modulator

The primary mirrors of current and future large telescopes always employ a segmented mirror configuration.The small but non-negligible gaps between neighboring segments cause additional diffraction,which restricts the performance of high-contrast coronagraph.To solve this problem,we propose a coronagraph system based on a single liquid crystal spatial light modulator(SLM).This spatial light modulator is used for amplitude apodization,and its feasibility and potential performance are demonstrated using a laboratory setup using the stochastic parallel gradient descent(SPGD)algorithm to control the spatial light modulator,which is based on point spread function(PSF)sensing and evaluation and optimized for maximum contrast in the discovery working area as a merit function.The system delivers a contrast in the order of 10−6,and shows excellent potential to be used in current and future large aperture telescopes,both on the ground and in space.

Opportunities to search for extraterrestrial intelligence with the FAST

The discovery of ubiquitous habitable extrasolar planets,combined with revolutionary advances in instrumentation and observational capabilities,has ushered in a renaissance in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence(SETI).Large scale SETI activities are now underway at numerous international facilities.The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope(FAST)is the largest single-aperture radio telescope in the world,and is well positioned to conduct sensitive searches for radio emission indicative of exo-intelligence.SETI is one of the five key science goals specified in the original FAST project plan.A collaboration with the Breakthrough Listen Initiative was initiated in 2016 with a joint statement signed both by Dr.Jun Yan,the then director of National Astronomical Observatories,Chinese Academy of Sciences(NAOC),and Dr.Peter Worden,Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.In this paper,we highlight some of the unique features of FAST that will allow for novel SETI observations.We identify and describe three different signal types indicative of a technological source,namely,narrow band,wide-band artificially dispersed and modulated signals.Here,we propose observations with FAST to achieve sensitivities never before explored.For nearby exoplanets,such as TESS targets,FAST will be sensitive to an EIRP of 1.9×1011 W,well within the reach of current human technology.For the Andromeda Galaxy,FAST will be able to detect any Kardashev type II or more advanced civilization there.

Experimental demonstration of enhanced resolution of a Golay3 sparse-aperture telescope

In this Letter,we report a Golay3 sparse-aperture telescope newly built in the Key Laboratory of Optical Engineering,Chinese Academy of Sciences and present the experimental results of enhanced resolution.The telescope consisting of 3 collector telescopes of 127 mm diameter can achieve a theoretical resolution corresponding to a monolithic aperture of 245 mm diameter.It is shown by the experimental results that the resolution is improved to 3.33μrad with respect to the diffraction limit of 6.07μrad for a single aperture using the Rayleigh criteria at 632 nm.The compact optical configuration and cophasing approach are also described.

Studying solutions for the fatigue of the FAST cable-net structure caused by the process of changing shape

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope （FAST） is supported by a cable-net structure, whose change in shape leads to a stress range of approximately 500 MPa. This stress range is more than twice the standard recom- mended value. The cable-net structure is thus the most critical and fragile part of the FAST reflector system. In this study, we first search for a more appropriate deforma- tion strategy that reduces the stress amplitude generated by the process of changing shape. Second, we roughly estimate the tracking trajectory of the telescope during its service life, and conduct an extensive numerical investigation to assess the require- ments for fatigue resistance. Finally, we develop a new type of steel cable system that satisfies the cable requirements for construction of FAST.

Evaluation of cable tension sensors of FAST reflector from the perspective of EMI

The active reflector of FAST （ five-hundred-meter aperture spherical radio telescope） is suppor- ted by a ring beam and a cable-net structure, in which nodes are actively controlled to form series of real-time paraboloids. To ensure the security and stability of the supporting structure, tension must be monitored for some typical cables. Considering the stringent requirements in accuracy and long- term stability, magnetic flux sensor, vibrating wire strain gauge and fiber bragg grating strain gauge are screened for the cable tension monitoring of the supporting cable-net. Specifically, receivers of radio telescopes have strict restriction on electro magnetic interference （EMI） or radio frequency in- terference （RFI）. These three types of sensors are evaluated from the view of EMIfRFI. Firstly, these fundamentals are theoretically analyzed. Secondly, typical sensor signals are collected in the time and analyzed in the frequency domain, which shows the characteristic in the frequency domain. Finally, typical sensors are tested in an anechoic chamber to get the EMI levels. Theoretical analysis shows that Fiber Bragg Grating strain gauge itself will not lead to EMI/RFI. According to GJB151 A, frequency domain analysis and test results show that for the vibrating wire strain gauge and magnetic flux sensor themselves, testable EMIfRF1 levels are typically below the background noise of the ane- choic chamber. FAST finally choses these three sensors as the monitoring sensors of its cable ten- sion. The proposed study is also a reference to the monitoring equipment selection of other radio tele- scopes and large structures.