The Pupil mapping Exoplanet Coronagraphic Observer

The Pupil-mapping Exoplanet Coronagraphic Observer (PECO) mission concept is a 1.4-m space-based coronagraphic telescope optimized to image exoplanets and disks at optical wavelengths and characterize them through low resolution spectroscopy and polarimetry. Thanks to a high efficiency Phase-Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA) coronagraph, PECO can deliver 1e-10 contrast at 2 λ/D separation (0.15") with no loss in angular resolution or throughput due to the coronagraph. PECO acquires narrow field images simultaneously in 16 spectral bands over wavelengths from 0.4 to 0.9 μm, utilizing all available photons for maximum wavefront sensing efficiency and optimal sensitivity for imaging and spectroscopy. PECO can detect and characterize potentially habitable planets around 20 known F, G, K type stars, and map exozodiacal clouds to a fraction of our own own zodiacal dust content. PECO's key technologies are currently under active development at several testbeds, and will enable efficient exoplanet imaging missions across a wide range of telescope sizes, from a sub-meter debris disk and giant planet imager to a ~4-m life-finding mission.