Expected performance of a self-coherent camera

Abstract Residual wavefront errors in optical elements limit the performance of coronagraphs. To improve their efficiency, different types of devices have been proposed to correct or calibrate these errors. In this article, we study one of these techniques proposed by Baudoz et al. (2006), and called Self-Coherent Camera (SCC). The principle of this instrument is based on the lack of coherence between the stellar light and the planet that is searched for. After recalling the principle of the SCC, we simulate its performance under realistic conditions and compare it with the performance of differential imaging. To cite this article: R. Galicher, P. Baudoz, C. R. Physique 8 (2007).