Setup and performance of focal-plane characterization benches for high precision astrometry

Fabrice Pancher; Sebastien Soler; Fabien Malbet; Hugo Rousset; Manon Lizzana; Alain Leger; Thierry L{é}pine; Florence Ardellier-Desages; Jer{ô}me Amiaux; Pierre-Olivier Lagage

arXiv · 2609.15682

Setup and performance of focal-plane characterization benches for high precision astrometry

Fabrice Pancher·Sebastien Soler·Fabien Malbet·Hugo Rousset·Manon Lizzana·Alain Leger·Thierry L{é}pine·Florence Ardellier-Desages·Jer{ô}me Amiaux·Pierre-Olivier Lagage

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Abstract

Detecting Earth-like exoplanets requires micro-arcsecond astrometry, which relies on a precisely calibrated focal plane equipped with high-resolution detectors. Accurate calibration depends on characterizing detector imperfections and systematic effects. Optical benches have been developed to assess the sensor's behavior: an integrating-sphere setup for electro-optical parameters, an interferometric bench for pixel-level geometry, and a star-field projection system for intrinsic distortion. This work presents the characterization benches built for a 46-Megapixels (MP) imaging sensor, based on the same technology as the four 220-MP detectors foreseen for the final focal-plane, and the performance metrics obtained from these setups in the context of NASA's HWO and ESA's M-class missions. Upgrades will bring the test environment closer to operational conditions: a second 46-MP sensor will be added for multi-detector tests, plus an adjustable-angle fringeprojection system and improved alignment.

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Fabrice Pancher, Sebastien Soler, Fabien Malbet, Hugo Rousset, Manon Lizzana, Alain Leger, Thierry L{é}pine, Florence Ardellier-Desages, Jer{ô}me Amiaux, Pierre-Olivier Lagage. 2026-09-14. Setup and performance of focal-plane characterization benches for high precision astrometry. https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.15682

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