Image processing methods for exoplanets detection and characterization in starshade observations

Mengya Mia Hu, Anthony Harness, N. Jeremy Kasdin

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

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

A starshade is a promising instrument for the direct imaging and characterization of exoplanets. However, even with a starshade, exoplanets are difficult to detect because detector noise, starshade defects, and misalignment (dynamics of the starshade system) degrade the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast. No image processing methods have been specialized for images produced by a starshade system (simply referred as starshade images later). In this paper, we present a method, based on the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT), to detect and characterize planets from a single starshade image or multiple starshade images. This paper describes the GLRT model and its preliminary results for simulated images with starshade shape error, dynamics, detector noise and starshade rotation considered. The planets are detected with low false alarm rate, and planet positions are accurately estimated, and planet intensities are reasonably estimated. Thus, it demonstrates great potential as an acute and robust detection method for starshade images.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2018
Subtitle of host publicationOptical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
EditorsGiovanni G. Fazio, Howard A. MacEwen, Makenzie Lystrup
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Print)9781510619494
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
EventSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2018: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave - Austin, United States
Duration: Jun 10 2018Jun 15 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10698
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2018: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin
Period6/10/186/15/18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

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

Keywords

  • Characterization
  • Detection
  • Exoplanets
  • GLRT
  • Image processing
  • Starshade

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