Paper 14145-232
Paper 14145-232
The Lazuli Space Observatory’s ExtraSolar Coronagraph
8 July 2026 • 17:30 - 19:00 CEST | Room B4-M3
Abstract
The Lazuli Space Observatory, part of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System, is a 3-meter class astronomical observatory designed for rapid-response observations and precision astrophysics across visible to near-infrared wavelengths with science capabilities that will be transformative in this decade. Onboard Lazuli is a high-contrast imaging system, the ExtraSolar Coronagraph (ESC), that is designed to enable direct imaging and characterization of exoplanets and circumstellar debris disks around nearby stars. The ESC hosts an ultra-high-contrast adaptive optics (AO) system and vector vortex coronagraph (VVC) to enable high-contrast imaging with raw contrasts of 1e-8 and post-processed contrasts approaching 1e-9. In this presentation, we will provide a technical overview of the ESC design and development underway at the University of Arizona and insight into the unique role Lazuli’s ExtraSolar Coronagraph plays in the current astrophysical landscape.
Presenter
The Univ. of Arizona (United States)
Dr. Miller is an assistant research professor at Steward Observatory specializing in adaptive optics for high-contrast imaging systems. She holds a B.S. in Astrophysics from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona. Her background includes astronomical instrumentation with a focus on focal plane wavefront sensing techniques for ground-based exoplanet detection and characterization as well as adaptive optics for high-energy laser weapons systems in deep turbulence. Her current research at Steward Observatory is in the development of space-based adaptive optics and coronagraphy for high-contrast exoplanet imaging.