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Coronagraphs offer targeted direct imaging and characterization of extra-solar planetary systems, in a region of the observational phase space that is complementary to the transit and radial velocity techniques. The WFIRST coronagraph, being built by NASA, has successfully passed its preliminary design review. It offers starlight suppression at orders of magnitude higher levels than existing coronagraphs. WFIRST opens up, for the first time, imaging and characterization of Jupiter-class exoplanets, as well as exo-Zodiacal dust at sensitivities that enhance target selection for future exo-Earth imaging missions. To achieve the highest possible science yield, the coronagraph has to be optimized, not just for contrast, but also for inner working angle, throughput, and stability. In this talk, we review the relative importance of these parameters, the current estimate of the science yield of this instrument, as well as an update on the project status.

Bijan Nemati: WFIRST Coronagraph Design Optimization, Status, and Expected Performance