Uncovering New Worlds: Enhancing Optical Interferometry to detect reflected light exoplanet

Introduction

The project's objective is to develop PLANETES, a pioneering ground-based interferometric system, engineered to transform the study of exoplanet atmospheres through high-contrast observations.

Goals

The primary goal is to significantly enhance the dynamic range of optical interferometry, enabling the observation of exoplanets via their reflected stellar light. Other objectives include:

1. Investigating the atmospheric composition of known exoplanets.
2. Identifying potential protoplanets.

Strategy

The strategy involves setting up a laboratory bench to scrutinize and address the current limitations observed with the GRAVITY instrument at the VLTI. These enhancements will then be deployed at the Paranal Observatory to examine the multitude of exoplanets anticipated from forthcoming Gaia spacecraft data releases.

Capabilities

PLANETES is set to be the first ground-based instrument capable of observing exoplanets via reflected light, offering a contrast range of 10 million at less than 100 milliarcseconds. It will significantly surpass the detection and characterization capabilities of current ground-based instruments.

Technological Advancements

In addition to fostering significant advancements in exoplanetary research, this project encompasses the development of a ground-breaking 4-million-pixel infrared camera. This device, equipped with a very low read noise and low dark current detector, will unveil new potential in high-contrast astronomical instrumentation.

Conclusion

For the first time, it will allow to simultaneously have a good spectral resolution and high sensitivity, representing a significant leap in the field. This pioneering technology will set the stage for future instruments, yielding broad advantages to the scientific community at large.