Ashok helps develop quantum coronagraph

A collaboration between the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland produced a novel type of coronagraph that may allow astronomers to observe difficult-to-view exoplanets. Among the team of researchers is ECE professor Amit Ashok. 

This coronagraph — an instrument that blocks direct light from stars to allow better viewing of fainter objects — differs from traditional coronagraphs by being “quantum-sensitive.” This means it can filter starlight before it reaches the telescope's detector.

With this process, researchers may have a better view of exoplanets, specifically those planets that orbit the "habitable zone" of their respective stars. This may provide a crucial step in the search for extraterrestrial life. 

"Inspired by new insights in passive super-resolution imaging, we recently reported the quantum information limits for exoplanet detection and localization," the study said. "Our findings revealed that these limits are achieved by a direct-imaging coronagraph that exclusively rejects the fundamental mode of the telescope."

The research paper, "Experimental demonstration of a quantum-optimal coronagraph using spatial mode sorters," was published in Optica.