The Single-mode Complex Amplitude Refinement (SCAR) coronagraph

We present the monochromatic lab verification of the newly developed SCAR coronagraph that combines a phase plate (PP) in the pupil with a microlens-fed single-mode fiber array in the focal plane. The two SCAR designs that have been measured, create respectively a 360 degree and 180 degree dark region from 0.8–2.4λ∕D around the star. The 360 SCAR has been designed for a clear aperture and the 180 SCAR has been designed for a realistic aperture with central obscuration and spiders. The 360 SCAR creates a measured stellar null of 2–3 × 10−4, and the 180 SCAR reaches a null of 1 × 10−4. Their monochromatic contrast is maintained within a range of ±0.16λ∕D peak-to-valley tip-tilt, which shows the robustness against tip-tilt errors. The small inner working angle and tip-tilt stability makes the SCAR coronagraph a very promising technique for an upgrade of current high-contrast instruments to characterize and detect exoplanets in the solar neighborhood.

Influence of rotational speed of a heavy-duty hydrostatic turret on bearing performance under tilt

Purpose This paper aims to propose a method for finding the maximum rotational speed of an inclined turntable at which the stability of the bearing oil film is maintained. Design/methodology/approach The finite difference method was used to solve the Reynolds equation. Variation of bearing capacity of a tilted hydrostatic turret over time was determined. The combined effect of tilt and rotational speed of the turret on the oil film stability was also analyzed. Findings When the turntable is operated at low speeds with only small angle of tilt, stability of the oil film is maintained. At lower rotational speeds, a smaller angle of tilt improves the bearing capacity and ensures stability of the oil film. Whereas, higher rotational speeds can have a considerable influence on the bearing capacity. Originality/value The results demonstrate that the inclination or tilt of the turntable significantly affects the stability of the oil film.