Performance analysis of a space-based multiple-telescope nulling interferometer for DARWIN

摘要

the European Space Agency's infrared space interferometer DARWIN is dedicated to the investigation of Earth-like extrasolar planets orbiting bright stars. A multi-aperture interferometer fed by free-flying teles- Copes allows spectroscopic analysis of the weak planet signal which could give hints on the possibility of The existence of Earth-like life. However, for a Sun/Earth-like constellation at an interstellar distance of some 50 light years, a star light suppression of about 60 dB is required to make the weak planet signal visible.