SISTERS: a space interferometer for the search for terrestrial exo-planets by rotation shearing

Physics – Optics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

A concept for a space-based interferometer dedicated to the detection of extrasolar earth-like planets is presented. Detection is done in the near infrared (10 micrometers ) where the expected star to planet flux ratio is down to 10(superscript 6) compared to 10(superscript 10) in the visible. The longer wavelength also makes is easier to avoid light scatter due to optics micro-roughness. Parent star cancellation is obtained with a rotation shearing interferometer working at its null on axis. The interferometer is of the Fizeau configuration with an aperture composed of twelve 1.2 meter mirrors on a 20 meter ring. This size, which corresponds to a resolving power of 0.05 arcsecond, allows for the investigation of about 30 candidate stars. The interferometer is supported by a chemically rigidized structure deployed by inflation. All optical elements are passively cooled to about 70 degrees Kelvin to reduce the instrumental infrared background. The spacecraft is located at the second Lagrangian point of the earth-sun system in order to minimize attitude control and baffling requirements.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

SISTERS: a space interferometer for the search for terrestrial exo-planets by rotation shearing 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 SISTERS: a space interferometer for the search for terrestrial exo-planets by rotation shearing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and SISTERS: a space interferometer for the search for terrestrial exo-planets by rotation shearing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1543178

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.