SPHERE: A 'Planet Finder' instrument for the VLT

Authors
  • J.-L. Beuzit
  • M. Feldt
  • K. Dohlen
  • D. Mouillet
  • P. Puget
  • F. Wildi
  • L. Abe
  • J. Antichi
  • A. Baruffolo
  • P. Baudoz
  • A. Boccaletti
  • M. Carbillet
  • J. Charton
  • R. Claudi
  • M. Downing
  • C. Fabron
  • P. Feautrier
  • E. Fedrigo
  • T. Fusco
  • J.-L. Gach
  • R. Gratton
  • T. Henning
  • N. Hubin
  • F. Joos
  • M. Kasper
  • M. Langlois
  • R. Lenzen
  • C. Moutou
  • A. Pavlov
  • C. Petit
  • J. Pragt
  • P. Rabou
  • F. Rigal
  • R. Roelfsema
  • G. Rousset
  • M. Saisse
  • H.-M. Schmid
  • E. Stadler
  • C. Thalmann
  • M. Turatto
  • S. Udry
  • F. Vakili
  • R. Waters
Publication date 2008
Host editors
  • I.S. McLean
  • M.M. Casali
Book title Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II
Book subtitle 23-28 June 2008, Marseille, France
ISBN
  • 9780819472243
Series Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering
Event SPIE Astronomical Instrumentation 2008, Marseille, France
Article number 701418
Volume | Issue number 1
Number of pages 12
Publisher Bellingham, WA: SPIE
Organisations
  • Faculty of Science (FNWI) - Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API)
Abstract
Direct detection and spectral characterization of extra-solar planets is one of the most exciting but also one of the most challenging areas in modern astronomy. The challenge consists in the very large contrast between the host star and the planet, larger than 12.5 magnitudes at very small angular separations, typically inside the seeing halo. The whole design of a "Planet Finder" instrument is therefore optimized towards reaching the highest contrast in a limited field of view and at short distances from the central star. Both evolved and young planetary systems can be detected, respectively through their reflected light and through the intrinsic planet emission. We present the science objectives, conceptual design and expected performance of the SPHERE instrument.
Document type Conference contribution
Language English
Related publication SPHERE: A 'Planet Finder' Instrument for the VLT
Published at https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790120
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