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Extreme optics and the search for Earth-like planets. (English) Zbl 1135.90051

Summary: I describe a new and exciting application of optimization technology. The problem is to design a space telescope capable of imaging Earth-like planets around nearby stars. Because of limitations inherent in the wave nature of light, the design problem is one of diffraction control so as to provide the extremely high contrast needed to image a faint planet positioned very close to its much brighter star. I describe the mathematics behind the diffraction control problem and explain how modern optimization tools were able to provide unexpected solutions that actually changed NASA’s approach to this problem.

MSC:

90C90 Applications of mathematical programming
78A45 Diffraction, scattering
78M50 Optimization problems in optics and electromagnetic theory
85A99 Astronomy and astrophysics

Software:

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References:

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