Design for stray-light reduction to a Martian ionospheric imager

Appl Opt. 2020 Nov 10;59(32):9937-9943. doi: 10.1364/AO.401523.

Abstract

We demonstrate a new design high-contrast optics suitable for use on a stray-light reduction. Two-dimensional distribution of diffracted light was numerically analyzed and confirmed by a laboratory measurement to determine its characteristics. Laboratory measurements confirm stray-light performance with ∼10-8 rejection viewing as close as 1.0° to a bright-light source. The present improvement replaces the conventional normal-edge vane by an edge with microscopic Gaussian-shaped structures. This permits simplified fabrication, provides even more weight reduction, and delivers improved performance for a given size.