Effects of Scattered Light on the Performance of the New Worlds Starshade

摘要

This paper explores and quantifies the sources and effects of light scattering from the New Worlds Observer Starshade into the observing telescope. We will discuss the calculation of the scattered light level and its effect on extra-solar planet detection. We consider light scattered off the starshade from the Sun, the Earth, the Moon, the solar-system planets, zodiacal dust, and the galactic background. We will treat holes caused by micrometeorites and other orbital debris as a separated case.