Telescope to Observe Planetary Systems (TOPS): A High Efficiency Coronagraphic 1.2-m Visible Telescope

Details Telescope to Observe Planetary Systems (TOPS): A High Efficiency Coronagraphic 1.2-m Visible Telescope Telescope to Observe Planetary Systems (TOPS): A High Efficiency Coronagraphic 1.2-m Visible Telescope

Dec 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006aas...209.5604g&link_type=abstract

2007 AAS/AAPT Joint Meeting, American Astronomical Society Meeting 209, #56.04; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, V

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

The Telescope to Observe Planetary Systems (TOPS) is a proposed space mission to image in the visible (0.4-0.9 micron) planetary systems of nearby stars simultaneously in 16 spectral bands (resolution R 20).
With a 1.2m visible telescope, the proposed mission achieves its power by exploiting the most efficient and robust coronagraphic and wavefront control techniques. A Phase-Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA) coronagraph, combined with an efficient focal plane wavefront sensing scheme, will allow TOPS to detect planets within 2 lambda/d ( 0.2") with nearly 100% throughput and the full angular resolution of the 1.2m telescope. An ongoing laboratory experiment has successfully demonstrated high contrast coronagraphic imaging within 2 lambda/d with the PIAA coronagraph / focal plane wavefront sensing scheme envisionned for TOPS.
For the 10 most favorable stars, TOPS will have the sensitivity to discover 2 R_E rocky planets within habitable zones and characterize their surfaces or atmospheres through spectrophotometry. Many more massive planets and debris discs will be imaged and characterized for the first time.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Telescope to Observe Planetary Systems (TOPS): A High Efficiency Coronagraphic 1.2-m Visible Telescope 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 Telescope to Observe Planetary Systems (TOPS): A High Efficiency Coronagraphic 1.2-m Visible Telescope, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Telescope to Observe Planetary Systems (TOPS): A High Efficiency Coronagraphic 1.2-m Visible Telescope will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1157484