Star-planet system starlight simulator based on micropore target

Abstract

The invention discloses a star-planet system starlight simulator based on a micropore target. The star-planet system starlight simulator comprises a light source, a converging mirror, a displacement table, the micropore target, a collimator and a diaphragm, a light source outputs a collimated light beam through a photonic crystal fiber, and the collimated light beam is focused to a micropore target through a converging mirror; the micropore target is manufactured through a laser direct writing technology and is arranged at the focus of the collimator to form an incoherent point light source, and after the incoherent point light source is collimated by the collimator, simulated star-planet system starlight is output; the displacement table is used for moving a light source module comprising a light source and a converging mirror to adjust the starlight brightness; the diaphragm is arranged at the emergent end of the collimator to simulate a receiving aperture. According to the invention, the single light source and the micropore target of the light-transmitting micropores with micron-sized diameter and spacing are utilized to realize the high-resolution simulation of the star-planet system with the arc-second angular distance, and the technical limitation that the traditional simulator can only simulate the star is overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical simulation technology, specifically relating to a starlight simulator for star-planetary systems based on a microporous target. Background Technology

[0002] Long-baseline optical interferometry (LBI) is a direct imaging observation method in astronomy that has gradually developed in the 21st century. This method uses direct interference of starlight to combine multiple sub-apertures into an equivalent composite aperture, significantly improving the resolution of telescopes. It has important applications in exoplanet characterization and cosmology within the field of astronomical observation. Unlike radio waves, which can directly detect amplitude and phase to achieve aperture synthesis, optical waves, due to their short wavelengths and high frequencies, cannot directly detect phase recording electrical signals. Instead, they can only achieve aperture synthesis by directly combining the light received by the sub-apertures through beam combining interference. This technique is highly complex, requiring precise phase control, and is therefore still under development.

[0003] Verification experiments are necessary before the construction of large instruments (such as the interferometer of a telescope). In long-baseline optical interferometric synthetic aperture experiments, a star-planetary system star simulator is a crucial component of the system. The main challenges of star-planetary system star simulator technology are as follows: First, distant star-planetary systems typically have small angular distances, generally on the order of arcseconds or less, making it difficult to achieve parallel light from two or more sets of light with such minute angular distances; second, experiments may require simulation testing of different star-planetary systems, demanding that the star simulation system be flexible, for example, able to easily increase or decrease the number of stars, or increase or decrease the angular distance between stars and planets.

[0004] Currently, there are two main types of star-planet simulators: one uses multiple light sources to simulate star-planet starlight separately, such as the star, planet, and nebula simulator designed and manufactured by the European PERSEE test rig, which simulates starlight and planetary starlight through multiple light sources and collimators. The two types of starlight are combined by a beam splitter, and the starlight angular spacing is controlled by adjusting the off-axis parabolic mirror and the tilt of the beam splitter. However, the adjustment accuracy of this design is only 10 arcseconds, which cannot meet the actual requirements of star-planet simulation. The second type uses a single light source to simulate star-planet starlight. For example, Chinese patent application CN109946712A provides a synthetic aperture optical imaging experimental system for exoplanet detection, which designs a star-planet starlight simulator. This simulator uses an integrating sphere as the illumination source, and the light from the two exit holes of the integrating sphere is combined by a beam splitter to achieve parallel light with a spacing of 1 arcsecond. However, it is very difficult to achieve a spacing of 1 arcsecond between two spatial beams, and the patent does not provide a method for achieving this. The other two drawbacks of the two cases above are that the number of simulated stars is basically fixed, which cannot meet the needs of testing different galaxy structures; and the angular width of the simulated stars is also difficult to determine.

[0005] Therefore, there is a lack of a star-planet system astrophotography simulator that can meet the requirements of high angular resolution, flexibly change the simulated galaxy structure, and at the same time minimize the system complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above, the purpose of this invention is to provide a starlight simulator for star-planetary systems based on a micro-aperture target. By introducing a micro-aperture target manufactured by laser direct writing technology and a supercontinuum light source, starlight simulation of star-planetary systems with angular distances at the arcsecond level can be achieved. This overcomes the limitations of existing technologies, such as the difficulty in determining the angular width of stars, the low precision of angular distance adjustment, and the small number of stars that can be simulated. It provides a flexible and efficient technical solution for high angular resolution optical imaging experiments.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: This invention provides a starlight simulator for a star-planet system based on a micro-aperture target, comprising: a light source, a converging mirror, a displacement stage, a micro-aperture target, a collimator, and an aperture. The light source is used to provide illumination for the star-planet simulation system, and it outputs a collimated beam through a photonic crystal fiber. The converging mirror is used to focus the collimating beam onto the microporous target; The micro-aperture target is used to provide the spatial distribution profile of stars and planets. It is manufactured by laser direct writing technology and has light-transmitting micro-apertures with micron-scale diameter and spacing. It is set at the focal point of the collimator, and the focused beam passes through the micro-aperture to form multiple incoherent point light sources. The displacement stage is used to move the light source module, which includes a light source and a converging mirror, and to adjust the starlight brightness by changing the position of the focal point on the target. The combined structure formed by the light source, converging mirror, displacement stage, and microporous target is mounted on the focal stage of the collimator. The collimator is used to collimate a point light source into parallel light, outputting simulated starlight from a star-planet system. The aperture is used to be set at the output end of the collimator to simulate the receiving aperture required for the experiment.

[0008] Preferably, the light source includes a supercontinuum light source or other broadband laser.

[0009] Preferably, the converging mirror includes using a lens group, multiple aspherical mirrors, or a combination of lenses and aspherical mirrors to converge the light beam.

[0010] Preferably, the micropore diameter and pore spacing of the microporous target are on the order of 10 micrometers.

[0011] Preferably, the brightness of the light source module is adjusted by moving the displacement stage using an electric or manual displacement stage.

[0012] Preferably, the displacement stage further includes a three-dimensional displacement stage for supporting the micro-hole target. By precisely adjusting the three-dimensional displacement stage, the center of the micro-hole target is aligned with the center of the focal point of the collimated beam.

[0013] Preferably, the focal length of the collimator is greater than or equal to 3 meters, so that when the spacing between point light sources is on the order of 10 micrometers, the angular distance of the output parallel light is less than 1 arcsecond.

[0014] Preferably, the galaxy structure of the simulated star-planet system is altered by replacing the micropore target with one that has a different number of micropores, spatial distribution pattern, relative brightness, or angular distance parameter.

[0015] Preferably, attenuators or filters are used for brightness adjustment or spectral differentiation.

[0016] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this invention also provides an application of the starlight simulator for star-planetary systems based on microporous targets as described above, applicable to experimental scenarios such as high-resolution optical imaging, high-resolution interferometric imaging, astronomical nullification interferometry, far-field target detection, or coherence tomography.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following: (1) Breakthrough in basic starlight simulation function: Traditional starlight simulators can only simulate starlight and cannot simultaneously simulate faint planetary light. This invention uses laser direct writing technology to manufacture micro-hole targets with micron-level spacing, providing ideal characteristics for stellar-planetary system starlight simulation, realizing high angular resolution stellar-planetary system starlight simulation at the arcsecond level, and improving contrast and energy utilization by adjusting the brightness through the moving light source module.

[0018] (2) Improved system performance: This invention uses supercontinuum light sources or other broadband lasers as starlight simulation light sources, extending the spectral range to near-infrared. The overall structure is simple, reducing system complexity and avoiding the need for multiple light sources or complex fiber arrays. It also supports flexible simulation of different galaxy structures by changing the target, enhancing the applicability and flexibility of the system.

[0019] (3) Enhanced practical performance: This invention uses a single light source to maintain incoherent characteristics, avoiding the limitation of needing multiple light sources to simulate the incoherent characteristics of star-planet light. It does not require beam splitters or complex optical components, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. The use of high-power and high-collimation light sources ensures the realism and stability of the simulation.

[0020] (3) Expanded application scope: This invention is applicable to the simulation of both star systems and star-planet systems. It can realize the simulation of starlight at different angular distances between stars and planets, and can be widely extended to multiple fields such as high-resolution interferometric imaging, zero-interference of star-planet systems, and far-field target detection, providing reliable support for high-precision optical experiments under laboratory conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a starlight simulator for a star-planet system based on a microporous target provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of different microporous targets used to simulate different star-planet systems provided in the embodiments of the present invention, wherein: (1) a single star system is simulated, (2) a star-planet system with a small angular distance is simulated, (3) a star-planet system with a large angular distance is simulated, and (4) a star-planet system with multiple planets is simulated. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] The inventive concept of this invention addresses the technical problems of traditional starlight simulators, which can only simulate stellar light and cannot simultaneously simulate faint planetary light, have limited angular resolution, high system complexity, and narrow application range. This invention provides a starlight simulator for star-planetary systems based on a micro-aperture target. A micro-aperture target, manufactured using laser direct-writing technology, combined with a supercontinuum light source and a collimator, converts the focused beam into multiple incoherent point light sources. After collimation, the output is high-angular-resolution parallel light from a star-planetary system. Specifically, the micro-aperture target simulates arcsecond-level angular distances, and the brightness is changed by adjusting the focal point position by moving the light source module. A single light source is used to avoid the limitations of incoherence. This concept overcomes the limitation of traditional simulators that can only simulate stellar light, significantly improving angular resolution, flexibility, and application range while maintaining system simplicity, providing an innovative technical foundation for astronomical optical imaging experiments.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the embodiment provides a starlight simulator for a star-planet system based on a micro-aperture target, including: a light source, a converging mirror, a displacement stage, a micro-aperture target, a collimator, and an aperture.

[0026] The light source provides illumination for the star-planet simulation system, outputting a collimated beam via photonic crystal fiber. A converging mirror focuses this collimated beam onto a micro-aperture target. Specifically, a supercontinuum light source is used as the starlight source, outputting a collimated beam via photonic crystal fiber. The converging mirror is a small-focal-length off-axis parabolic mirror fixed on a three-dimensional adjustment frame, precisely focusing the collimated beam onto the surface of the micro-aperture target. The light source module, including the light source and converging mirror, is mounted on a motorized displacement stage with micron-level precision. Therefore, moving the stage changes the position of the focal point, thus affecting the energy distribution of light among different transmission apertures.

[0027] Micro-aperture targets are used to provide spatial distribution profiles of stars and planets. Manufactured using laser direct writing technology, they feature transparent micro-apertures with micrometer-scale diameters and spacing, positioned at the focal point of a collimator. The focused beam passes through these micro-apertures, forming multiple incoherent point light sources. Specifically, the micro-aperture diameter and spacing are on the order of 10 micrometers. The focused light spot passes through the micro-apertures of the target, forming multiple point light sources of varying brightness. Due to the very poor temporal coherence of the supercontinuum light source (micrometer-scale), the light from different point light sources remains incoherent, enabling the emission of incoherent light between celestial bodies. The light field of a micro-aperture is represented as follows: , No. The light field of a micro-aperture is represented as follows: , , Indicates position coordinates, To express time, then: Then, the light emitted from the micro-aperture is collimated by a long-focal-length collimator to form parallel light.

[0028] A collimator is used to collimate a point light source into parallel light, outputting simulated starlight from a star-planet system. Specifically, the collimator employs a long focal length design, with a focal length of [missing information]. The two distances are The micro-aperture has an outgoing parallel light angle distance of 100°. With a focal length of 3 meters, high angular resolution simulation at the arcsecond level or below can be achieved.

[0029] The displacement stage includes a motorized displacement stage and a three-dimensional displacement stage. The motorized displacement stage is used to move the aforementioned light source module, thereby adjusting the starlight brightness by changing the position of the focal point on the target. The three-dimensional displacement stage is used to support and fix the micro-aperture target. Through precise fine-tuning in the X, Y, and Z directions, it ensures that the center of the micro-aperture target is accurately aligned with the center of the collimated beam's focal point, providing a fundamental guarantee for high-precision starlight simulation. The combined structure consisting of the light source, displacement stage, converging mirror, and micro-aperture target is mounted on the focal stage.

[0030] An aperture stop is used to simulate the receiving aperture required for an experiment by being placed at the output end of a collimator. Specifically, the aperture stop can be made in different sizes and shapes according to experimental needs and placed at the output end of the collimator to simulate the receiving aperture of an actual telescope.

[0031] Based on such Figure 1 The starlight simulation process for a star-planet system based on a microporous target is shown below: (1) Light source emits light: The light source is a supercontinuum source, outputting a Gaussian collimated beam through a photonic crystal fiber. The photonic crystal fiber is fixed on a three-dimensional adjustment frame, allowing for beam pointing adjustment. After being deflected by a plane mirror fixed on the adjustment frame, the beam is guided to an off-axis parabolic mirror. The entire light source module (including the light source, plane mirror, and off-axis parabolic mirror) is integrated onto a motorized displacement stage, providing the foundation for subsequent brightness adjustment.

[0032] (2) Illumination target: like Figure 2As shown, the target is manufactured using laser direct writing technology and is precisely fixed at the focal plane of the collimator. An off-axis parabolic mirror focuses the incident light beam onto the central region of the target, and the beam forms a series of independent point light sources after passing through a micro-aperture. By controlling the electric displacement stage to drive the light source module to make micro-displacements, the illumination position of the focused spot on the target can be changed, thereby achieving independent adjustment of the brightness of each point light source (i.e., star).

[0033] (3) Beam collimation: A collimator collimates a point light source at the focal point into parallel light. Since the spacing between point light sources on the target is on the order of 10 micrometers, when it is collimated by a collimator with a focal length of 3 meters, the angular spacing between corresponding star points in the output beam can reach less than 1 arcsecond, thus achieving high angular resolution star simulation.

[0034] (4) Simulated receiving aperture: Depending on the specific experimental requirements, apertures with different diameters and the number of openings can be customized and installed at the output end of the collimator to simulate the receiving aperture of an actual telescope.

[0035] The key innovation of this starlight simulation method lies in: achieving high angular resolution simulation of star-planet systems using laser-written micro-aperture targets; adjusting brightness by moving the light source module; using a single supercontinuum light source for illumination, improving energy efficiency and reducing system complexity; and altering galaxy structures by changing the target, thus simulating different galaxy systems. This method is particularly suitable for applications requiring high angular resolution targets, such as interferometric imaging experiments and astronomical nullification interferometry experiments.

[0036] In summary, this invention provides a starlight simulator for a star-planetary system based on a micro-aperture target. A target with micro-apertures for star-planet light transmission is placed at the focal point of a large-aperture collimator. The emitted light from the star-planetary system is simulated by focusing illumination using a supercontinuum light source. The target, manufactured using laser direct-writing technology, can achieve micrometer-level aperture diameters and aperture spacing, thereby improving angular resolution to the arcsecond level. By moving the light source module, the position of the focused spot on the target can be changed, thus adjusting the brightness of different micro-apertures. This invention uses the micro-apertures on the target as the outline of the star-planetary system, eliminating the need for multiple light sources, reducing costs, and enabling accurate simulation of minute angular distances between stars and planets. It achieves parallel light emission with minute angular differences between stellar and planetary beams, allowing for simulation of star-planetary systems under laboratory conditions. This invention has significant application value in fields such as interferometric imaging and null-interference, providing a new technical solution for high-resolution / high-contrast astronomical optical imaging experiments.

[0037] The specific embodiments described above illustrate the technical solution and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, additions, and equivalent substitutions made within the scope of the principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microcavity target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator, characterized in that, Comprise: a light source, a converging mirror, a displacement stage, a micro-hole target, a collimator and a diaphragm; the light source is used to provide the illumination of the star-planet simulation system, which outputs a collimated light beam through a photonic crystal fiber; the converging mirror is used to focus the collimated light beam onto the micro-hole target; the micro-hole target is used to provide the spatial distribution profile of the star and the planet, which is manufactured by laser direct writing technology, has light-transmitting micro-holes with micron-level diameter and spacing, and is arranged at the focal point of the collimator, and the focused light beam passes through the micro-holes to form a plurality of incoherent point light sources; the displacement stage is used to move the light source module comprising the light source and the converging mirror, and the starlight brightness adjustment is realized by changing the position of the focal point on the target; the combination of the light source, the converging mirror, the displacement stage and the micro-hole target is installed on the focal point stage of the collimator; the collimator is used to collimate the point light sources into parallel light and output the simulated starlight of the star-planet system; the diaphragm is used to be arranged at the exit end of the collimator to simulate the required receiving aperture of the experiment.

2. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator according to claim 1, wherein, The light source comprises a supercontinuum light source or other broadband laser.

3. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator of claim 1, wherein, The converging mirror comprises using a lens group, a plurality of aspherical mirrors, or a combination of lenses and aspherical mirrors to converge the light beam.

4. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator of claim 1, wherein, The micro-hole diameter and the hole spacing of the micro-hole target are on the order of 10 microns.

5. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator of claim 1, wherein, The displacement stage moves the light source module to realize brightness adjustment through an electric displacement stage or a manual displacement stage.

6. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator of claim 1, wherein, The displacement stage further comprises a three-dimensional displacement stage for carrying the micro-hole target, and the center of the micro-hole target is aligned with the center of the focal point of the collimated light beam by precisely adjusting the three-dimensional displacement stage.

7. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator of claim 1, wherein, The focal length of the collimator is greater than or equal to 3 meters, so that when the spacing of the point light sources is on the order of 10 microns, the angular distance of the output parallel light is less than 1 arcsecond.

8. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator of claim 1, wherein, By replacing the micro-hole target with different number of micro-holes, spatial distribution pattern, relative brightness or angular distance parameters, the galaxy structure of the simulated star-planet system is changed.

9. The microcell target based stellar- planetary system starlight simulator of claim 1, wherein, Use an attenuating sheet or a filter to adjust the brightness or distinguish the spectrum.

10. Use of a microcavity target based star-planet system starlight simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Applied to high-resolution optical imaging, high-resolution interferometric imaging, astronomical null interferometry, far-field target detection or coherent tomography, etc. experimental scenarios.

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