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Paper: Direct Imaging of Extrasolar Planets by Means of Polarimetry with SPHERE/ZIMPOL
Volume: 449, Astronomical Polarimetry 2008: Science from Small to Large Telescopes
Page: 381
Authors: Joos, F.; Schmid, H. M.; Gisler, D.; Thalmann, C.; Beuzit, J.; Dohlen, K.; Feldt, M.; Gratton, R.; Kasper, M.; Mouillet, D.; Pragt, J.; Puget, P.; Rigal, F.; Roelfsema, R.; Turatto, M.; Udry, S.; Waters, R.; Wildi, F.
Abstract: Direct imaging of extrasolar planets is one of the most exciting but also challenging topics in modern astrophysics. Up to now, more than 300 extrasolar planets have been detected by indirect methods, mostly by radial velocity measurements. A step further is the direct imaging of extrasolar planets, which is extremely demanding due to the huge contrast and the tiny separation between star and planet. There are different approaches to reach the goal. One amongst is imaging polarimetry. We will report on the polarimetric mode of SPHERE, an ESO VLT second generation instrument. We will emphasize the special technique used to reduce the noise to reach the extremely high polarimetric precision.
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