Diffraction-based sensitivity analysis of apodized pupil-mapping systems

Pupil mapping is a promising and unconventional new method for high-contrast imaging being considered for terrestrial exoplanet searches. It employs two (or more) specially designed aspheric mirrors to create a high-contrast amplitude profile across the telescope pupil that does not appreciably attenuate amplitude. As such, it reaps significant benefits in light-collecting efficiency and inner working angle, both critical parameters for terrestrial planet detection. While much has been published on various aspects of pupil-mapping systems, the problem of sensitivity to wave front aberrations remains an open question. In this paper we present an efficient method for computing the diffraction propagation in a pupil-mapped system. This method can be used for accurate studies of aberration sensitivity in pupil mapping and other coronagraphs. We demonstrate calculations of sensitivity to Zernike aberrations for a particular pupil-mapping system, as well as a concentric-ring-shaped-pupil coronagraph.