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A spectrograph for exoplanet observations calibrated at the centimetre-per-second level
Tobias Wilken1, Gaspare Lo Curto, Rafael A Probst
1Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Strasse 1, D-85748 Garching, Germany. tobias.wilken@mpq.mpg.de
Nature
|June 5, 2012
Summary
Laser frequency combs enable precise calibration of astronomical spectrographs. This breakthrough allows for the detection of Earth-like exoplanets and measurement of cosmic acceleration with unprecedented accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Optical Physics
Background:
- Spectrograph stability is crucial for detecting subtle astronomical signals.
- Current calibration methods limit the precision achievable in radial velocity measurements.
- Laser frequency combs offer a highly stable and accurate light source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calibrate an astronomical spectrograph using a laser frequency comb.
- To achieve unprecedented short-term Doppler shift repeatability.
- To demonstrate the potential for detecting Earth-like exoplanets and cosmic acceleration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a laser frequency comb as a calibration light source for an astronomical spectrograph.
- Achieved absolute calibration for radial velocity measurements.
- Monitored the star HD 75289 and recomputed its planetary orbit.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a short-term Doppler shift repeatability of 2.5 cm s(-1).
- Successfully recalibrated the orbit of the planet around star HD 75289.
- The achieved precision surpasses previous limitations in spectrograph calibration.
Conclusions:
- Laser frequency comb calibration significantly enhances spectrograph stability and precision.
- This technology paves the way for detecting Earth-mass exoplanets in habitable zones.
- Enables direct measurement of cosmic acceleration through precise radial velocity monitoring.
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