title: Subwavelength surface-relief gratings for stellar coronagraphy.
abstract: We present a new design of a phase mask coronagraph implemented with subwavelength diffractive optical elements consisting of optimized surface-relief gratings. Phase mask coronagraphy is a recent technique that seeks to accommodate both high dynamic and high angular resolution imaging of faint sources around bright astrophysical objects such as exoplanets orbiting their host stars. The original design we propose is a new, integrated, and flexible solution to the pi phase-shift chromaticity of the phase mask coronagraphs. It will allow broadband observations, i.e., shorter integration times and object characterizations, by means of spectroscopic analysis. The feasibility of the component manufacturing is also considered through a tolerance study.
authors.affiliation: Institut d'Astrophysique et de Géophysique, Université de Liège, 17 Allée du 6 Août, B-4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium. mawet@astro.ulg.ac.be
authors.forename: Dimitri
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mawet
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Riaud
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Surdej
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baudrand