Simulations and Tests of a Super-Resolving Optical Module Using a Satellite Antenna

Toraldo Pupils (TPs) can improve the angular resolving power of an optical instrument beyond the classical diffraction limit (hence the term 'super-resolution') using a phase mask consisting of finite-width concentric coronae which modify the phase of the incident wavefront. The first successful laboratory test of TPs in 2003 suggested that these devices could represent a viable approach to achieve super-resolution in Radio astronomy. We have therefore started a project devoted to an exhaustive study of TPs and how they could be implemented on a radio telescope. In this work we present a summary of the EM simulations and preliminary field-tests, using a satellite antenna, of a TP-based optical module.