Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Jul 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006spie.6272e..74b&link_type=abstract
Advances in Adaptive Optics II. Edited by Ellerbroek, Brent L.; Bonaccini Calia, Domenico. Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 6272
Physics
Optics
4
Scientific paper
We discuss contrast limits obtained during a survey of young (<300 Myr), close (<50 pc) stars with the Simultaneous Differential Extrasolar Planet Imager (SDI) implemented at the VLT and the MMT. SDI uses a double Wollaston prism and a quad filter to take images simultaneously at 3 wavelengths surrounding the 1.62 μm methane bandhead found in the spectrum of cool brown dwarfs and gas giants. By performing a difference of images in these filters, speckle noise from the primary can be significantly attenuated, resulting in photon noise limited data. In our survey data, we achieved H band contrasts >25000 (5σ ΔF1(1.575μm)>10 mag, ΔH>10.6 mag for a T6 spectral type) at a separation of 0.5" from the primary star. With this degree of attenuation, we can image (5σ detection) a 2-4 Jupiter mass planet at 5 AU around a 30 Myr star at 10 pc. We are currently completing our survey of young, nearby stars. We have obtained complete datasets for 40 stars in the southern sky (VLT) and 11 stars in the northern sky (MMT). We believe that our SDI images are the highest contrast astronomical images ever made from ground or space for methane rich companions.
Biller Beth A.
Brandner Wolfgang
Close Laird M.
Geissler Kerstin
Hartung Markus
No associations
LandOfFree
Contrast limits with the Simultaneous Differential Extrasolar Planet Imager (SDI) at the VLT and MMT does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Contrast limits with the Simultaneous Differential Extrasolar Planet Imager (SDI) at the VLT and MMT, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Contrast limits with the Simultaneous Differential Extrasolar Planet Imager (SDI) at the VLT and MMT will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1625913