title: Fully symmetric nulling beam combiners.
abstract: A simple method of nulling broadband light is presented. A mirror-symmetric pair of right-angle periscopes is first used to introduce a geometric field flip between two incident light beams, after which the light is combined by means of one of a number of constructive two-beam interferometers. A reciprocal pair of beam-splitter passages provides for complete symmetry. Such an approach greatly eases beam-splitter design requirements and should find use both in initial ground-based nulling experiments and ultimately in space-borne interferometers targeted at direct extrasolar planet detection.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Serabyn
authors: M M
authors: MM
authors: Colavita