Harnessing Mid-Infrared Photonic Technologies for Exoplanetary Discovery

This project will create new 3-dimensional photonic technologies operating in the mid-infrared capable of discovering exoplanets. Starlight from this optimally-favorable spectral band will be collected over six of more apertures and undergo advanced on-chip photonic processing which will null out the bright starlight, but preserve the faint signature betraying the presence of an exoplanet. This device will empower visionary future astronomical instruments on the worlds most advanced telescopes.