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Paper: The Planet Finder: Proposal for a 2nd Generation VLT Instrument
Volume: 294, Scientific Frontiers in Research on Extrasolar Planets
Page: 569
Authors: Feldt, M.; Hippler, S.; Henning, Th.; Gratton, R.; Turatto, M.; Waters, R.; Quirrenbach, A.
Abstract: We are currently investigating the possibilities for a high-contrast, adaptive optics assisted instrument to be placed as a 2nd-generation instrument on ESO's VLT. This instrument will consist of an "extreme-AO" system capable of producing very high Strehl ratios, a contrast-enhancing device and two differential imaging detection systems. It will be designed to collect photons directly coming from the surface of substellar companions - ideally down to planetary masses - to bright, nearby stars and disentangle them from the stellar photons. We are presenting the scientific motivation for such an instrument -- including "secondary" topics, its expected return, and our current baseline for the design of such a device.
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