Abstract
We propose a common-path lateral-shearing nulling interferometer for direct detection of exoplanets. A Savart plate is placed between crossed polarizers to produce a lateral shear and realize fully achromatic and highly stable nulling interference for starlight. We construct a double-shearing interferometer using two Savart plates for implementing orthogonal x and y shears. A laboratory demonstration is carried out using a broadband light source with a bandwidth of ( and ). As a result, achieved extinction levels are at peak and at ( is the diameter of a Lyot stop).
© 2010 Optical Society of America
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