Detecting biomarkers in exoplanetary atmospheres with a Terrestrial Planet Finder

Sara R. Heap; D. Lindler; R. Lyon

doi:10.1117/12.787141

12 July 2008 Detecting biomarkers in exoplanetary atmospheres with a Terrestrial Planet Finder

Sara R. Heap, D. Lindler, R. Lyon

Proceedings Volume 7010, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter; 70101N (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.787141
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

There are good reasons for extending the spectral range of observation to shorter wavelengths than currently envisaged for terrestrial planet-finding missions utilizing a 4-m, diffraction-limited, optical telescope. The angular resolution at shorter wavelengths is higher, so that the image of an exoplanet is better separated from that of the much brighter star. Due to the higher resolution, the exozodiacal background per resolution element is smaller, so exposure times are reduced for the same incident flux. Most importantly, the sensitivity to the presence of life on habitable exoplanets is increased over a hundred-fold by access to the ozone biomarker in the mid-ultraviolet. These benefits must be weighed against challenges arising from the faintness of exoplanets in the mid-UV. Here, we describe the benefits, technical challenges and some proposed solutions for detecting ozone in the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets.

Citation Download Citation

Sara R. Heap, D. Lindler, and R. Lyon "Detecting biomarkers in exoplanetary atmospheres with a Terrestrial Planet Finder", Proc. SPIE 7010, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, 70101N (12 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.787141

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available