A method to directly image exoplanets in multi-star systems such as Alpha-Centauri

Sandrine J. Thomas; Ruslan Belikov; Eduardo Bendek

doi:10.1117/12.2188637

16 September 2015 A method to directly image exoplanets in multi-star systems such as Alpha-Centauri

Sandrine J. Thomas, Ruslan Belikov, Eduardo Bendek

Proceedings Volume 9605, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets VII; 96052G (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188637
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Direct imaging of extra-solar planets is now a reality, especially with the deployment and commissioning of the first generation of specialized ground-based instruments such as the Gemini Planet Imager and SPHERE. These systems will allow detection of Jupiter-like planets 10⁷ times fainter than their host star. Obtaining this contrast level and beyond requires the combination of a coronagraph to suppress light coming from the host star and a wavefront control system including a deformable mirror (DM) to remove residual starlight (speckles) created by the imperfections of telescope. However, all these current and future systems focus on detecting faint planets around single host stars, while several targets or planet candidates are located around nearby binary stars such as our neighboring star Alpha Centauri. Here, we present a method to simultaneously correct aberrations and diffraction of light coming from the target star as well as its companion star in order to reveal planets orbiting the target star. This method works even if the companion star is outside the control region of the DM (beyond its half-Nyquist frequency), by taking advantage of aliasing effects.

Citation Download Citation

Sandrine J. Thomas, Ruslan Belikov, and Eduardo Bendek "A method to directly image exoplanets in multi-star systems such as Alpha-Centauri", Proc. SPIE 9605, Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets VII, 96052G (16 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188637

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