Coronagraphic Upgrades at the VLT/NaCo: 4-Micron APP Enhanced Spectroscopy?
Abstract
We present coronagraphic upgrades that took place in the past months on NaCo, the versatile high contrast imager/spectrograph currently operated at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). A review of the current high contrast techniques available on NACO is presented as well as potential upgrades. As strong emphasis is made on the advantage of using the 3-5 μm domain for achieving outstanding detectability and characterization of hot jupiters. The new Apodizing Phase Plate (APP) coronagraph successfully commissioned earlier in 2010 is introduced. Preliminary tests on APP enhanced spectroscopy are shown. This unique capability could allow to reach unprecedented science goals: directly detect molecular features (CH4, CO, etc.) of the atmosphere of gaseous exoplanets at relatively low inner working angles (0.2 to 0.8").
- Publication:
-
In the Spirit of Lyot 2010
- Pub Date:
- October 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010lyot.confE..21G
- Keywords:
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- NACO;
- Adaptive Optics;
- High Contrast Imaging;
- High Contrast Spectroscopy