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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: J. H. Eberly
  • Vol. 9, Iss. 1 — Jul. 2, 2001
  • pp: 36–41

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 9 > Issue 1 > Page 36

Exoplanet detection using a nulling interferometer

Manuel Cagigal and Vidal Canales  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp. 36-41 (2001)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.9.000036


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Abstract

The detection of extra solar planets is a topic of growing interest, which stretches current technology and knowledge to their limits. Indirect measurement confirms the existence of a considerable number. However, direct imaging is the only way to obtain information about the nature of these planets and to detect Earth-like planets, which could support life. The main problem for direct imaging is that planets are associated with a much brighter source of light. Here, we propose the use of the nulling interferometer along with a photon counting technique called Dark Speckle. Using a simple model the behavior of the technique is predicted. The signal-to-noise ratio estimated confirms that it is a promising way to detect faint objects.

© Optical Society of America

[Optical Society of America ]

OCIS Codes
(010.1080) Atmospheric and oceanic optics : Active or adaptive optics
(350.1260) Other areas of optics : Astronomical optics

ToC Category:
Research Papers

History
Original Manuscript: May 21, 2001
Published: July 2, 2001

Citation
Manuel Cagigal and Vidal Canales, "Exoplanet detection using a nulling interferometer," Opt. Express 9, 36-41 (2001)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-9-1-36


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References

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