The CHEOPS project: Characterizing exoplanets by opto-infrared polarimetry and spectroscopy

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 an integral-field spectroscopic detection system. It will be designed directly take images of sub-stellar companions of nearby (< 100 pc) stars. We will present our current design study for such an instrument and discuss the various ways to tell stellar from companion photons. Results of our latest simulations regarding the instrument will be presented and the expected performance discussed. Derived from the simulated performance we will also give details about the expected science impact of the planet finder. This will comprise the chances of finding different types of exo-planets, the scientific return of such detections and follow-up examinations, as well as other topics like star-formation, debris disks, and planetary nebulae. © Springer 2007.