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23 May 2024 Scientific impact of a noiseless energy-resolving detector for a future exoplanet-imaging mission
Alex R. Howe, Christopher C. Stark, John E. Sadleir
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Abstract

Future space missions that aim to detect and characterize Earth-like exoplanets will require an instrument that efficiently measures the spectra of these planets, placing strict requirements on detector performance. The upcoming Roman Space Telescope will demonstrate the performance of an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device as part of the coronagraphic instrument (CGI). The recent LUVOIR and HabEx studies baselined pairing such a detector with an integral field spectrograph to take spectra of multiple exoplanets and debris disks simultaneously. We investigate the scientific impact of a noiseless energy-resolving detector (ERD) for the planned Habitable Worlds Observatory’s (HWO) CGI. By assuming higher quantum efficiency, higher optical throughput, and zero noise, we effectively place upper limits on the impact of advancing detector technologies. We find that ERDs would potentially take spectra of hundreds of additional exoplanets “for free” over the course of an HWO survey, greatly increasing its scientific yield.

CC BY: © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.
Alex R. Howe, Christopher C. Stark, and John E. Sadleir "Scientific impact of a noiseless energy-resolving detector for a future exoplanet-imaging mission," Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems 10(2), 025008 (23 May 2024). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JATIS.10.2.025008
Received: 14 June 2023; Accepted: 8 May 2024; Published: 23 May 2024
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KEYWORDS
Planets

Sensors

Electron multiplying charge coupled devices

Stars

Coronagraphy

Exoplanets

Astronomical bodies

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