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Kernel-nulling is a beam combination architecture and data reduction technique for a nulling interferometer optimized for the high-contrast detection of giant exoplanets at high angular resolutions. We present a 4-input beam nuller that creates one bright, and three nulled outputs. A pair of nulled outputs possess the same response to instrumental/environmental perturbations while still producing distinct responses to off-axis light. The linear combination of these outputs will result in a kernel-null observable which is robust to phase perturbations, removing the dominant source of noise in conventional nulling. While the traditional approach is to use bulk-optics based interferometers, here we present a photonic approach where all the necessary routing, beam splitting, and recombination is performed within a 16 x 16 mm chip. |
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