This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 13129, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, and Conference Committee information.

The art of lens design can be very time consuming and non-deterministic. Brute force techniques exist in common lens design programs, but they too can be very time and resource consuming and require expertise on the part of the optical designer. Such algorithms often get caught in local minima and require manual intervention to find a better solution if they are too sensitive or yield unmanufacturable designs. There have been attempts to move past these limitations such as lens design aided by machine learning and other general optimization problem techniques. We have been developing a homegrown solution that operates by utilizing a custom genetic algorithm with variable length chromosomes and crossover; stale population refreshing; local optimization; and chromosome mutation to perform operations an optical designer might execute. The solution operates with the following assumptions: it is targeted for the nominal lens design phase; it uses spherical and aspheric surfaces; it does not currently handle zoom lenses, although this can be implemented in the future; it uses OpticStudio and Python for communication. It offers benefits over many existing solutions because it can overcome local minima without manual intervention; has built-in metrics to guide it towards a workable solution with acceptable sensitivity and manufacturability, and it operates in a fraction of the time of existing brute force algorithms. This paper illustrates the tool’s capabilities with a few design examples with varying starting points while showing its efficiency, absolute performance potential, and independence from optical designer intervention.

Freeform dielectric waveguides connect optical chips made of different materials in fully integrated photonic devices. With a spatial extent in the order of hundred micrometers, they constitute a computational challenge and make Maxwell full-wave solvers unhandy for the accelerated design. Therefore, we need tools for the fast prediction of waveguide transmission to enable the rapid optimization of waveguide trajectories. Previously developed methods rely on the assumption that only a fundamental mode propagates in the waveguide. However, the propagation of higher-order modes is not just unavoidable due to the geometry of the waveguides but also, sometimes, beneficial as it increases the number of channels to transmit information. We present approximation methods for the fast calculation of transmission that accommodates the presence of higher-order waveguide modes. We also show the application of the approximation methods to optimize waveguide trajectories given their input and output ports, and the obstacles to be avoided.

Ruda designs high performance imaging systems to meet difficult mission requirements, but these nearly diffraction limited systems often have small margins between the image quality of the nominal design and the required performance of the as-built system. Due to this we may spend significant resources designing and operating specialized test setups to ensure that results of MTF and Ensquared Energy (EE) measurements are well-calibrated and accurate. Alternatively, wavefront measurements – like those captured by wavefront sensors and interferometers – can be taken of the system to characterize the quality of the as-built system. Wavefront measurements are typically higher resolution, faster to setup, and quicker to measure than image quality metrics, making them particularly attractive for use when validating as-built system quality. Since the wavefront is related to the point spread function, and thereby the image quality, different wavefront measurements can contain information about the system MTF and EE. Thus, if the relationship between the wavefront and image quality metrics of interest can be established for an as-built system, it is possible to supplement or fully validate MTF and EE requirements from wavefront measurements. To investigate this relationship, we used Zemax OpticStudio to generate toleranced Monte Carlo trials of two nearly diffraction limited imaging systems designed by Ruda. The Monte Carlo models were then analyzed to form large data sets for statistical analysis. For wavefront data, the simulation produces single pass and double pass wavefront Zernike decompositions as well as wavefront root mean squared error over a range of object fields and visible wavelengths. For image quality data, the MTF at three spatial frequencies and the EE at two integration lengths are computed for the same fields and wavelengths as the wavefront data. These data sets are then processed to demonstrate that high degrees of correlation can exist between wavefront data and image quality metrics in toleranced high performance imaging systems, even when there is a difference in wavelength between the metrics. Sources of noise in these correlations are identified, and paths for supplementing or validating image quality requirement with correlated wavefront measurement data through machine learning are discussed.

The Adaptative Optics Test Camera (AOTC) is designed to be an engineering instrument to be used during the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) assembly, integration, verification, and commissioning to verify the Adaptive Optics (AO) system-level diffraction-limited image quality performance. The AOTC will functionally replicate the external interfaces of the GMT AO instruments, including the Natural Guide Star Wavefront Sensor (NGWS) and Laser Tomography Wavefront Sensor (LTWS) as external AO sensors, as well as a prototype On-Instrument Wavefront Sensors (OIWFS) to measure non-common-path wavefront errors not sensed by the external sensors. We present the initial optical design of this instrument, which passed a conceptual design review in 2023, as well as a preliminary performance assessment of the OIWFS. The AOTC consists of four cameras. The first is a large field of view camera to aid in the instrument target acquisition. A Shack-Hartmann sensor measures focus and low order wavefront errors in the non-common path between the external sensors and science focal plane. A high-speed imager measures the target motion and telescope segment piston error. Finally, a scoring camera, representing the science camera, evaluates the AO image quality. We describe the optical parameters and the strategies used to achieve each sensor function and attend their performance requirements, along with the initial choices for commercial detectors for each function. We also present the preliminary performance budget for assessing system performance and determining tolerances for mechanical manufacturing and alignment.

Near-Angle Scatter (NAS) of the host star’s light may limit the ability of a potential Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) to detect and characterize an Earth-like planet around a Sun-like star via coronagraphy. NAS from each optical surface before the coronagraph’s focal plane mask produces an E-field across the dark hole that is coherent. These E-fields sum and could be as large or larger than the coronagraph mask leakage E-field. This paper assumes an error budget allocation for scatter of 20 ppt. NAS E-fields contribute to the dark hole noise floor via both shot noise and heterodyne amplification of the wavefront instability. While previous papers have developed specifications for scatter from surface scatter, this paper develops specifications for scatter from surface contamination and micrometeoroid impacts. The development process utilizes an expression that predicts scatter throughput into the dark hole based on surface BRDF. Analysis does not include scatter from coating columnar structure, edges, contamination, micrometeoroid impacts, or polarization.

Design decisions for today’s complex systems require insights that are traditionally obtained from make and break testing when critical design decisions need to be made. With ever-increasing complexity, a more streamlined workflow that involves multiphysics simulation is essential. This transition is exemplified in polarization-dependent optical systems that are becoming prevalent in AR/VR where stress birefringence can negatively affect the performance of the optical design. To quantify this effect, we have developed a method that utilizes non-uniform stress data from finite element analysis in conjunction with non-uniform gradient index ray tracing to calculate the polarization and wavefront error as part of a wholistic multiphysics simulation analysis. Practical examples will be used to demonstrate the workflow and to analysis the impact of stress birefringence.

Current spectropolarimetric methods rely on periodically modulating the detected intensity of light for each spectral region using birefringent retarders. This creates a requirement that the state of polarization is slowly varying relative to the sinusoidal modulation of the detected intensity. Those methods often do not preserve spatial information, with some methods requiring orthogonal dimensions to decompose spectroscopic and polarimetric information onto their respective dimensions. A novel method is proposed where polarimetric information contained in three separate wavelengths is encoded onto an irradiance pattern using a stress-engineered optical window. Stress-Engineered Optics (SEOs) produce stress birefringence with an azimuthally varying fast axis orientation and radially varying retardance in the central region of the window. This stress birefringence is wavelength-dependent, producing an irradiance pattern that is a linear superposition of wavelength-dependent Point Spread Functions (PSFs). For each defined wavelength used as an input, the Stokes parameters can be extracted from the detected irradiance pattern. The retrieval process utilizes a system matrix that is constructed from point spread functions of reference polarization states for each wavelength used as an input. A data reduction matrix, created by taking the pseudoinverse of the system matrix, extracts the wavelength-dependent Stokes parameters from a single irradiance measurement. In simulations, an optimum dimensionless stress parameter for the wavelength choices of λ₁ = 633nm, λ₂ = 530nm, λ₃ = 450nm has been identified at 5.33 (using 530nm as a reference wavelength). The retrieval of 500 randomized polychromatic Stokes vector at the optimum stress parameter with 1% noise has an average angular error of 0.0208 radians with a standard deviation of 0.0174 radians.

For microscopy, high numerical apertures are necessary to resolve key features of a sample. For polarization microscopy, a high NA can result in significant polarization variation over the pupil. These systems are often challenging to calibrate for quarter-wave plates that have a strong angular dependence. This talk will describe a full system calibration method for a short-wave infrared microscope utilizing a rotating quarter-wave plate for polarization characterization of scattered light. We draw a particular distinction between calibration for direct imaging when compared to pupil imaging of dipole like objects.

The usage of a Lambertian and homogeneous radiation source is planned for Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF) measurements, where knowledge of the exact angular radiation properties is necessary. In the visual spectrum, a radiation source with these properties is often realized by an integrating sphere, and the angular distribution of the radiation can be measured with a gonioradiometer. However, previous work on gonioradiometers for the thermal infrared region could not be found. An integrating sphere for Middle-Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) and Long-Wavelength Infrared (LWIR) is used. To analyze the angular distribution of the radiance, the concept of a gonioradiometer was transferred to the thermal infrared region. To characterize the homogeneity and the angular distribution, MWIR and LWIR measurements were taken. The homogeneity of the radiance, regarding the thermal imaging cameras, of an integrating sphere with 10 mm and 25 mm exit ports and a parabolic reflector, and their angular radiation distributions are presented. The results allow the modeling of the irradiance for the BRDF measurements.

A critical topic when communicating stray light performance is the relationship between stray light due to point and extended sources. This paper details using a point source transmittance to calculate an extended source transmittance and reviews the radiometric and stray light concepts associated with correctly performing this calculation.

We present an approximation method to compute the temperature distribution in photodetectors under steady-state optical excitation. The derived temperature profile assesses the impact on performance metrics like quantum efficiency, bandwidth, and phase noise. Our numerical study reveals that assuming constant room temperature leads to overestimated output current and quantum efficiency and underestimated bandwidth. In contrast, a varying temperature model closely aligns with experimental values. InGaAs’s low thermal conductivity impedes heat dissipation, leading to temperature accumulation. Changing optical excitation while maintaining constant output current results in nonlinear changes in bandwidth, phase noise, and quantum efficiency. These findings aid in understanding and optimizing thermal management in photodetectors under strong optical excitations.

The design of high-NA optical systems such as those used for advanced single molecule microscopy require careful modeling of polarization and its impact on the point spread function. When the system is engineered specifically with a polarization-dependent point spread function, it is possible to recover information such as molecule location, orientation, and wobble. SOLID comprises five principles of software design that, when implemented in software designed for modeling a microscope, can provide significant flexibility in the shape of a fluorescent source and its polarization distribution while incorporating such novel elements as stress-engineered optics in the imaging path. We will describe a modeling architecture implemented in Python and provide examples relevant to experimental single molecule microscopy systems.

The Rocket Experiment Demonstration of a Soft X-ray (REDSoX) Polarimeter is a NASA sounding rocket experiment that is designed to demonstrate the technology necessary for measuring linear X-ray polarization as a function of energy below 1 keV. In astrophysics, soft X-ray spectropolarimetry will be used to probe the nature of acceleration mechanisms in quasar jets and to test models of neutron star structure. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has designed a grazing-incidence mirror module assembly (MMA) for the REDSoX payload and used Finite Element Modelling Software (ANSYS) to perform structural analysis of the design. In this paper we will describe the overall design of the REDSoX MMA, details of the analysis techniques used for predicting factor of safety in the mirror adhesive bonds and structural components, the buckling analysis of the outer housing, and the raytrace technique used to estimate the effect of gravity sag on optical performance during ground testing.

The SunRISE propulsion system utilizes an additively manufactured monolithic structure containing a main tank, plenum, and six thrusters. The complex design geometry and novel manufacturing approach of this structure lends itself to several problems, primarily related to the consistent fabrication of the thruster channels. Standard cleaning methods for stereolithography printing were inadequate to meet program requirements for this structure, leading to the development of a rigorous cleaning approach and intermediate characterization of the thruster throughput during the manufacturing process. In this paper, we present the cleaning and characterization approach that lent to the successful manufacturing of the SunRISE propulsion structure.

Traditionally, evaluating the optical performance of mirrors derived from finite element (FEA), with third-party software requires cumbersome manual effort – which impacts efficient design optimization. This paper presents a process that seamlessly integrates FEA results with wavefront analysis software, significantly simplifying performance assessment and enabling rapid design iteration. We leverage the 4D technology interferometer and "4Sight" wavefront analysis software for performance measurement and comparison with FEA predictions. Recognizing the need for efficient data exchange, we developed an application that converts FEA data into a format compatible with 4Sight. The software takes two user-defined inputs: optical surface position and deformation information, typically provided as CSV or TXT files. Within a second, it generates an output file suitable for direct import into 4Sight, enabling immediate visualization of key optical performance metrics.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, and Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd., NDK, developed an original QCM sensor system under wide temperature range named “Twin-QCM” for ground use since 2015, put on the market in 2017. Twin-QCM series has “Twin-CQCM” with built-in heater and “Twin-TQCM” with built-in peltier element. Twin-TQCM has an operational temperature limitation at low temperature caused by use of built-in peltier element. Since 2021, we have proceeded to initiate the development of advanced Twin-QCM aiming for flight and exploration. Then, we decided to develop a new version of Twin-TQCM which can be used under cryogenic temperature, i.e., lower than -80 degrees C, named “cryo-use Twin-TQCM (Engineering Model).” Then, we have planned to evaluate the performance of the Engineering Model in terms of deposition sensing. In this presentation, we will report the test results of the experiment for performance evaluation of cryo-use Twin-TQCM Engineering Model.

In some cases, the purpose of a lens is not the elimination of aberration content, but rather its precise adjustment. The following aims to examine and delineate open design options based on a specific set of aberration criteria. Tuning of optical parameters such as Spherical Aberration (SA), Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration (LCA), and Effective Focal Length (EFL) are investigated. This study presents the design of a singlet lens, rather than the conventional achromatic doublet, to satisfy the performance goals. The process of the design still requires purposeful selection of material, which involves both Abbe number and index of refraction, to balance chromatic effects. Finally, SA of the singlet lens is tuned through aspherization of the posterior surface of the lens. In all, the design aims to offer less conventional solutions to lens designers that will perform as needed for specified aberration criteria.

Zernike polynomials are a widely used metric in modern optical analysis. They conveniently represent surfaces as a series of weighted terms corresponding to various optical aberrations. Ideally, each term is independent of others in the series, but Zernike polynomials lose this property when working with sets of discrete data. This gives rise to uncertainty in each polynomial’s actual contribution and affects metrology and simulation estimates of their relative weights. Several factors influencing these estimates are the number and arrangement of sample locations, the method for calculating the weights, and the total number of Zernike terms used in the calculation. Discussed is the uncertainty associated with linear regression using random sampling versus pre-determined sample locations as well as the uncertainty for interpolation via Gaussian Quadrature. Other topics reviewed are complex Zernike polynomials and vector spaces of functions.

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is a future NASA flagship mission which will use a segmented telescope and coronagraphic instruments to discover and characterize exoplanets, including exoEarths – Earth-like planets orbiting other stars. HWO will require extraordinary optical stability, with wavefront drift performance measured in the picometers. This paper explores how active control of the telescope optics, using metrology systems that include laser distance gauges, segment edge sensors, and picometer precision actuators, can provide the needed telescope stability. Together with wavefront sensing and deformable mirrors in the coronagraph, this approach can control the entire coronagraphic beam train, to stabilize the electric field in the coronagraph. The HWO Technology Assessment Group is developing three “Exploratory Analytic Cases,” which are conceptual designs for HWO that differ in some respects, to provide a basis for detailed analysis. This paper addresses EAC1, a deployed-aperture concept that draws on JWST heritage. EAC1 uses 19 1.8-meter hexagonal segments to form its off-axis Primary Mirror (PM), as sketched in Figure 1. EAC2 will use fewer, larger “keystone” segments in a non-deployed off-axis PM configuration, and EAC3 will be a larger, on-axis deployed telescope using smaller keystone shaped segments.

This study aims to develop a comprehensive analytical and numerical framework for monitoring and quantifying carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration using a multimode fiber-optic probe coated with a nanoporous structure. We have characterized the proposed sensor by investigating various performance parameters, such as sensitivity, Full-Width Half Maxima (FWHM) and Figure of Merit (FOM). Theoretical analysis of the probe showed a CO₂ gas sensitivity seven times higher than that for Hydrogen and about three times higher than Nitrogen. The model analyzes transmission spectra based on the refractive index and thickness of a multilayer structure, with transfer matrices elucidating the interaction of light with each layer. The effective refractive index of the porous structure was calculated using effective medium theories. The use of this theoretical modeling approach before experimentation and field implementation can enable the selection of optimal fiber and coating materials, including their dimensions, customized to the target operational conditions. It also enables the comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental and field observations, which is essential for accurate quantification of CO₂ leaks and emissions.

A fast and accurate simulation methodology enabled by a physics-informed learning method, using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Galerkin projection, is demonstrated for photonic crystals and periodic quantum nanostructure. POD is a projection-based method with its basis functions trained by solution data collected from Direct Numerical Simulations (DNSs) of the wave equation, which offers the best least squares fit to the solution data. The Galerkin projection of the wave equation onto POD basis functions is then performed to close the model. This projection also incorporates physical principles during POD-Galerkin simulation guided by the wave equation, which thus enables the extrapolation capability beyond the training conditions. Such a capability is difficult to achieve using neural-network-based methods for physics simulation, where no physical principle is enforced during simulation. Applications of the POD-Galerkin methodology to a 2D photonic lattice and a 2D periodic quantum nanostructure demonstrate a computing speedup near two orders of magnitude with high accuracy, compared to DNS, if the wave solution and band structure are both needed. If only the band structure is of interest, a four-order improvement in computational efficiency can be achieved.

This study presents a comprehensive approach to optimizing diffractive waveguides for mixed reality near-eye displays by employing a hybrid method that integrates Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) and Monte Carlo (MC) ray tracing. The primary objective is to enhance the performance of these waveguides by improving field of view (FoV), exit pupil size, and image uniformity. A Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) is used as a bridge to facilitate communication between RCWA and MC ray tracing, enabling efficient simulation of various design parameters such as geometric dimensions and light sources. The results demonstrate a potential contribution to improving imaging efficiency, uniformity, and reduction of backward light leakage by simulation. Future work will focus on applying this method to designing Mixed Reality (MR) glasses to optimize Exit Pupil Expansion (EPE), enhance FoV, and reduce crosstalk effects.

Grating-coupling techniques are widely used in the silicon photonics platform. However, the alignment between fiber and chip is a significant issue to be solved. To ease alignment tolerances and simplify photonic packaging for grating-based coupling, we proposed and designed a novel waveguiding interconnect. In this paper, a 3D model of the grating-coupler device is developed and tested using BPM-Matlab and CST Studio Suite software package. Diffracted and waveguided light characteristics are studied in detail, and its coupling efficiency and mode overlapping efficiency are examined. A beneficial waveguiding and mode reshaping ability is observed, therefore validating the demonstrated design method.

Waveguide engineering is essential for terahertz (THz) Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) to achieve high power output at approximately1 THz, due in part to confinement of the lowest order Transverse Magnetic (TM) mode. In this work, we report on waveguide engineering of approximately 1 THz QCLs to achieve lower gain threshold by increasing the confinement factor and decreasing the total waveguide loss. Gain threshold is modeled for the common types of THz QCL waveguides, i.e., Semi-Insulating Single Plasmon (SISP) and Metal-Metal (MM) waveguides at approximately 1 THz. A SISP-MM hybrid waveguide design is introduced for the first time, resulting in a lower gain threshold than SISP and MM waveguide designs alone. A SISP-MM hybrid design is presented with over 87% confinement factor and 26.55 cm^-1 optical loss.

This study explores how bending the waveguides in integrated quantum photonic technologies affects the entangled photon pair generation rate through spontaneous four-wave mixing. Photon pair generation has traditionally been enhanced by modifying the waveguide's cross section or length. However, this work uncovers a new aspect: the bending radius of the waveguide significantly influences the photon pair generation rate. By increasing the curvature of the waveguide, the photons are more tightly confined, boosting the nonlinear interaction without the expected offset from increased radiation losses. The findings reveal an optimal curvature that maximizes photon pair generation, offering a novel approach to designing compact and efficient waveguide spirals. The research considers common nonlinear materials like silicon nitride, silicon-on-insulator, and photoresists for 3D waveguides and focuses on pump wavelengths near the telecommunication range.

In the realm of thin film fabrication, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a versatile technique that facilitates the growth of high-quality and precision films for various applications, such as micro-electronics focused on chips. ALD-deposited materials on an insulator platform can expand their potential to include optics and photonics. This study introduces the design and numerical simulation of integrated optics all-pass microring resonators (AOR) cavities. These designs are based on the measured optical characteristics of materials deposited via ALD, specifically aluminum, titanium, and zinc oxides, recognized as transparent materials on Si/SiO₂ (insulator) platforms. This platform is based on a channel waveguide from a subwavelength cross-section dimension selected to propagate fundamental modes, considering a suitable cross-section scale, good modal confinement, and optimal deep evanescent wave distance. In addition, the following parameters were discussed to propose an optimal AOR configuration: distance gap, high transmission, extinction ratio, resonant wavelength, full-width half maximum, free spectral range, finesse, quality factor, propagation losses, and ring radius. In optical communication applications focused in the telecommunication window (1.55μm), for its excellent fundamental mode confinement, with an evanescent decay of 855μm, a quality factor reaching up to 10⁴, the zinc oxide on an insulator (ZOI) was the best configuration. The outcomes suggest that employing atomic layer deposition to synthesis of core materials on an insulator presents a viable alternative platform for optics and photonics devices.

Coherent high-speed optical systems have played a very significant role in the world of data transmission in the last 15 years, and transmission speeds from 1.2 Tb/s to 1.6 Tb/s per lambda are expected to enter the market very soon. Historically, legacy high-speed 10 Gb/s data transmission systems have used the simplest On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation scheme. Since data transmission systems have been gradually moving to coherent transmissions with advanced modulation schemes, the coexistence of slower signals using OOK modulation can have a significant impact on coherent data signals via the nonlinear effect of Cross-Phase Modulation (CPM). In this paper, we evaluate the Bit Error Rate (BER) and Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR) for legacy 10 Gb/s data signals transmitted together with high-speed coherent 200 Gb/s data signals for fiber distances ranging from 100 km to 800 km. This scenario is rather suitable for National Research and Educational Network (NREN) operators, where slow OOK and high-speed coherent data signals are transmitted on the predefined International Telecommunication Union (ITU) channel spacing, usually 100 GHz.

Existing tail surface lighting technology is expensive and only irradiates LED light from the front, requiring multiple optical parts and air gaps for effective light diffusion. The 4FLED technology, which stands for "4 Faces LED," offers a cost-effective solution by providing 360-degree light irradiation from four directions. This reduces the need for additional optical parts and spaces, saving costs. Two wavelengths, normal red (614 nm) and super red (630 nm), are available, offering expanded choices for customers. The 4FLED system aligns with global design trends by reducing costs while maintaining high efficiency and design flexibility, appealing to many customers. It has been proven suitable for vehicles through ECE Regulation tests and high heat resistance reliability tests.

This research is a preceding study of high-brightness surface emitting technology to overcome functional limitations while compensating for light loss due to design pattern and proposes a tapered five-face emitting technology that increases light efficiency in 3D pattern lamps and is cost-effective. Bevel five-face LED technology is a cost-optimized solution compared to Top-view in terms of uniformity and brightness by applying the side wall angle, which irradiates light in five directions and has the highest light extraction efficiency. The beam angle of the five-face LED is about 150 degrees, and the light extraction efficiency increased by 20% when tilted at a specific angle to the side wall of LED. In the future, it is thought that high-brightness surface light emitting technology will help to implement technical research or 3D effects that can implement both functions simultaneously in the same area.

In cleanrooms and controlled environments, the most popular method for monitoring particulate contamination is the aerosol particle counter. But this method is only effective for particles ≤ 5μm because larger particles tend to settle very quickly. Both dry and wet methods for measuring particle contamination on surfaces exist. However, only dry methods are appropriate for the extremely large surfaces common in industrial applications. This paper introduces a novel measuring system capable of counting and sizing particles (⪆2μm) µm on critical surfaces. Based on the principle of oblique- or glancing-side-light with image processing, this technique is fast (~10 seconds), and does not require extensive capital investment in equipment and in personnel training. We will present results showing that surfaces of interest can be measured directly once appropriate instrument settings have been developed for each surface, a process that will also be discussed in detail in the work. This paper will also demonstrate that particles of interest can sampled from surfaces by means of a tape lift system that ensures a consistent, zero-particle background for each test that is independent of surface geometry. The reliability and robustness of the data is shown. The system facilitates and supports the contamination control in accordance with international standards such as ECSS, IEST-STD-1246, ISO 14644, ISO 16322.

Directly imaging Earth-like exoplanets within habitable zones is challenging because faint signals can be obscured by exozodiacal dust, analogous to our solar system’s zodiacal dust. This dust scatters starlight, creating a bright background noise. This paper introduces Toy Coronagraph, a Python package designed to quantify the impact of this dust on exoplanet detection. It takes circularly symmetric disk images and point spread functions (PSFs), and exoplanet orbital parameters as input, generating key metrics like contrast curves, signal-to-noise ratios, and dynamic visualizations of exoplanet motion under the dust background. The package also provides tools for generating vortex coronagraph PSFs and includes example disk images. Toy Coronagraph empowers researchers to understand exozodiacal dust, develop mitigation strategies, and optimize future telescope designs and mission time, ultimately advancing the search for potentially habitable worlds. Future work will focus on handling non-circularly symmetric inputs, incorporating realistic noise models, and estimating exoplanet yield rates for future space telescope missions.

The Filter Box (FB) is one of the several subsystems that compose the Many Instrument Fiber System (MANIFEST) of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). With this filtering system, MANIFEST will be integrated to the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) to efficiently fill it with valuable data from multiple targets. As the FB follows strict requirements flow-down from MANIFEST’s facilities, it is suitable for it to be designed from the outset in a manner that avoids the use of commercial-of-the-shelf filter systems. Hence, this paper presents the optical and mechanical FB conceptual designs, having its operation modes divided into three categories (A, B and C) comprising three, 21 and 54 single light sources of different wavelength coverages. The results show that an enhanced optical throughput is achieved when such sources (optical fibers) are attached to rod-like optical elements, denoted as Rod-lenses, and coupled into U-shaped mechanical lens cells, while following accessible manufacturing tolerances.