Architecture for Space-Based Exoplanet Spectroscopy in Mid-Infrared

Abstract

Characterizing exoearths at wavelength about 10 micron offers many benefits over visible coronagraphy. Apart from providing direct access to a number of significant bio-signatures, direct-imaging in the mid-infrared can provides 1000 times or more relaxation to contrast requirements while greatly shortening the time-scales over which the system must be stable. This in-turn enables tremendous relief to optical manufacturing, control and stability tolerances bringing them inline with current technology state of the art. In this paper, we explore a reference design that co-optimizes a large segmented linearized aperture telescope with one-dimensional phase-induced aperture apodization providing high-contrast imaging for spectroscopic analysis. By rotating about a parent star, the chemical signatures of its planets are characterized while affording additional means for background suppression.