SPICA coronagraph instrument: Characterization of atmospheres and physical parameters of giant planets by direct imaging and spectroscopy

T. Kotani, K. Enya, T. Nakagawa, H. Matsuhara, H. Kataza, M. Kawada, M. Mita, K. Komatsu, H. Uchida, K. Fujiwara, S. Mitani, S. Sakai, K. Haze, H. Kaneda, S. Oyabu, D. Ishihara, T. Miyata, S. Sako, T. Nakamura, K. AsanoM. Tamura, J. Nishikawa, T. Yamashita, N. Narita, H. Hayano, S. Oya, E. Kokubo, Y. Itoh, T. Matsuo, M. Fukagawa, H. Shibai, M. Honda, N. Baba, N. Murakami, Y. K. Okamoto, S. Ida, M. Takami, L. Abe, O. Guyon, T. Yamamuro

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present the current status of the development of the SPICA Coronagraph Instrument (SCI). SPICA is a nextgeneration 3-meter class infrared telescope, which will be launched in 2022. SCI is high-contrast imaging, spectroscopic instrument mainly for direct detection and spectroscopy of extra-solar planets in the near-to-mid infrared wavelengths to characterize their atmospheres, physical parameters and evolutionary scenarios. SCI is now under the international review process. In this paper, we present a science case of SCI. The main targets of SCI, not only for direct imaging but also for spectroscopy, are young to matured giant planets. We will also show that some of known exoplanets by groundbased direct detection are good targets for SCI, and a number of direct detection planets that are suitable for SCI will be significantly increased in the next decade. Second, a general design of SCI and a key technology including a new highthroughput binary mask coronagraph, will be presented. Furthermore, we will show that SCI is potentially capable of achieving 10-6 contrast by a PSF subtraction method, even with a telescope pointing error. This contrast enhancement will be important to characterize low-mass and cool planets.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012
Subtitle of host publicationOptical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: Jul 1 2012Jul 6 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8442
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityAmsterdam
Period7/1/127/6/12

Keywords

  • Binary mask
  • Coronagraph
  • Exoplanet
  • High-contrast
  • SCI
  • SPICA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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