Astronomers want direct images of exoplanets. They may need 'quantum-level' tech to get them

[Admin]

A new device uses quantum optics to filter out starlight in real time — bringing scientists closer to directly observing Earth-like worlds.

Astronomers want direct images of exoplanets. They may need 'quantum-level' tech to get them : Read more

 

[George²]

Since light is quantum by nature, all observations, whether with telescopes or with the naked eye, are at the quantum level.

 

[Helio]

It seems this technique greatly enhances noise and glare elimination to allow the exoplanet to become visible.

It seems, however, that this technique doesn’t improve the resolution, though they mention “sub-diffraction”. If so, we won’t be seeing nice exoplanet disk images.

More importantly will be the ability to nail the exoplanet’s irradiance spectrum, greatly improving the astrophysics that can be done, including detecting life indicating molecules.

Their improved spectrum will also allow for accurate true color determinations for exoplanets, including color variations as they rotate. The M-class star systems are more problematic since the exoplanets’ source light (red dwarf’s spectrum) often varies with time.