Architecture Selection and Optimization for Planet-Finding Interferometers

摘要

A number of stellar systems that can be searched for presence of Earth-like planets in a given mission lifetime is a key figure of merit for planet hunting stellar interferometers. We have developed a method to calculate the number of stellar systems that can be searched and characterized. Using this method we have evaluated the performance of a number of architectures. We conclude that simpler second-order null architectures outperform more complicated fourth-order null architectures. We also quantify the advantages of the variable length formation-flying configurations vs. fixed length structurally connected configurations.