The Subaru coronagraphic extreme AO (SCExAO) system: Visible imaging mode

Abstract

The Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics (SCExAO) system is an instrument designed to be inserted between the Subaru AO188 system and the infrared HiCIAO camera in order to greatly improve the contrast in the very close (less than 0.5") neighbourhood of stars. Next to the infrared coronagraphic path, a visible scientific path, based on a EMCCD camera, has been implemented. Benefiting from both Adaptive Optics (AO) correction and new data processing techniques, it is a powerful tool for high angular resolution imaging and opens numerous new science opportunities. We propose here a new image processing algorithm, based on the selection of the best signal for each spatial frequency. A factor 2 to 3 in Strehl ratio is obtained compared to the AO long exposure time depending on the image processing algorithm used and the seeing conditions. The system is able to deliver diffraction limited images at 650 nm (17 mas FWHM).We also demonstrate that this approach offers significantly better results than the classical select, shift and add approach (lucky imaging). Show more