Comparative Optical Analysis of Extra-Solar Planetary Imaging Techniques

摘要

We discuss intermediary results of our on-going study of filled aperture coronagraphic imaging methods for detection and characterization of extra-solar planets from a space-based telescope. Chosen are three high contrast imaging methods which are currently under investigation as part of NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder study. Developed are analytical and computational models for three techniques that include: (i) an apodized square aperture telescope, (ii) Lyot stop coronagraph, and (iii) Spergel/Kasdin pupil. Each of the techniques is quantitatively compared and contrasted utilizing the in-pixel contrast ratio, signal-to-noise, and detection zone as metrics. The results are parameterized with respect to planetary to angular separation, planet to stellar luminosity ratio, and aperture or baseline size. We ultimately desire a compact formalism to compare and contrast different techniques, for extra-solar planetary detection, on equal footing, from an optical detection theory point of view.