Nulling interferometry for exoplanet detection using polarization properties

We present a new type of nulling interferometer that makes use of polarization properties to have on-axis destructive interference. The proposed design, which only involves commercial components and no achromatic device, is also suitable for internal modulation. This type of interferometer should enable a high rejection ratio in a theoretically unlimited spectral band. We implemented that concept on a two-beam white-light interferometer and we present here the first experimental results
Optics Research Groep
Applied Sciences