High Contrast Imaging of Extrasolar Planets

/ Authors

/ Abstract

Gaussian aperture pupil masks (GAPMs) can in theory achieve the contrast requisite for directly imaging an extrasolar planet. We use lab tests and simulations to further study their possible place as a high contrast imaging technique. We present lab comparisons with traditional Lyot coronagraphs and simulations of GAPMs and other high contrast imaging techniques on HST.

High Contrast Imaging of Extrasolar Planets

/ Authors

J. Debes, J. Ge

/ Abstract

Gaussian aperture pupil masks (GAPMs) can in theory achieve the contrast requisite for directly imaging an extrasolar planet. We use lab tests and simulations to further study their possible place as a high contrast imaging technique. We present lab comparisons with traditional Lyot coronagraphs and simulations of GAPMs and other high contrast imaging techniques on HST.