Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Sep 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005apj...630..631o&link_type=abstract
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 630, Issue 1, pp. 631-636.
Physics
Optics
5
Astrobiology, Instrumentation: Adaptive Optics, Instrumentation: High Angular Resolution, Stars: Planetary Systems, Techniques: High Anular Resolution
Scientific paper
We describe a new stellar coronagraph based on the standard coronagraph scheme but transformed to perform the optical differentiation of the incoming field. It offers a new method to detect exoplanets providing both deep starlight extinction and high angular resolution. To perform optical differentiation, the coronagraph occulting disk is replaced by a differentiation mask. Although the theoretical rejection rate of our coronagraph is infinite, numerical simulations of the perfect case, with no phase errors and perfect telescope pointing, are carried out showing that on-axis starlight is reduced to very low intensity levels corresponding to a gain of at least 37 mag (10-15 light intensity reduction). To take full advantage of this design, the distortions of the atmosphere must be reduced either by the use of extreme adaptive optics or space telescopes, although the latter solution is preferred. The deep starlight extinction is mandatory to achieve direct detection of Earth-like exoplanets and, what is more important, to perform spectroscopy of their atmosphere and look for habitable conditions or signs of life.
Cagigal Manuel P.
Canales Vidal F.
Oti José E.
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