Calibrations for high precision differential astrometry onboard Theia and HWO

Abstract

Future space astrometry missions such as Theia and an astrometric mode of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) require detector calibration and instrumental characterization at an unprecedented level to achieve sub-micro-arcsecond precision. This work presents three complementary developments addressing these requirements. First, we report an independent characterization of the GIGAPYX-4600 back-side illuminated CMOS detector, evaluating its linearity, readout noise, dark current, pixel response non-uniformity, defective pixel fraction, and inter-pixel capacitance. The results demonstrate excellent detector performance and confirm its suitability as a candidate for future gigapixel focal planes. Second, we develop an interferometric calibration method based on Young’s fringes to measure pixel centroid displacements, enabling the characterization of inter-pixel response variations with an approach compatible with onboard implementation. The method is investigated through numerical simulations and an experimental testbed using the GIGAPYX-4600 detector. Finally, we introduce an astro-calibration framework that jointly estimates stellar astrometric parameters, telescope attitude, plate scale, and optical distortion through a global iterative optimization. Although this calibration approach is still under development, simulations and laboratory activities are underway to validate its performance. Together, these developments contribute to the technological and calibration framework required for the next generation of high-precision astrometric space missions.