Abstract

One of the main challenges of astronomy these days is to directly image exoplanets and protoplanetary disks using diffraction limited optics. Due to the proximity of the planet to the host star and its small size, the discovery of new planets requires high angular resolution and high contrast imaging. Achieving these two requirements is challenging with existing astronomical instrument. However, the emerging field of physics called astrophotonics utilises photonic circuits to help build the core of astronomical instruments to address this problem. In addition, astrophotonics enables compact fully-integrated optical chips such as interferometers that are much easier to stabilise against mechanical and thermal changes in the environment.

© 2017 IEEE