Patterned Liquid-Crystal Optics for Broadband Coronagraphy and Wavefront Sensing

The direct-write technology for liquid-crystal patterns allows for manufacturing of extreme geometric phase patterned coronagraphs that are inherently broadband, e.g. the vector Apodizing Phase Plate (vAPP). We present on-sky data of a double-grating vAPP operating from 2-5 mu m with a 360-degree dark hole and a decreased leakage term of similar to 10(-4). We report a new liquid-crystal design used in a grating-vAPP for SCExAO that operates from 1-2.5 mu m. Furthermore, we present wavelength-selective vAPPs that work at specific wavelength ranges and transmit light unapodized at other wavelengths. Lastly, we present geometric phase patterns for advanced implementations of WFS (e.g. Zernike-type) that are enabled only by this liquid-crystal technology.