Article (Scientific journals)
The path towards high-contrast imaging with the VLTI: the Hi-5 project
Defrere, Denis; Absil, Olivier; Berger, J.-P. et al.
2018In Experimental Astronomy, 1801
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Published in "Experimental Astronomy" journal (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-018-9593-2)


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Keywords :
Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics; Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics; Interferometry; Nulling; Closure phase; Kernel phase; VLTI; Exoplanet; Exozodiacal dust; Active Galactic Nuclei
Abstract :
[en] The development of high-contrast capabilities has long been recognized as one of the top priorities for the VLTI. As of today, the VLTI routinely achieves contrasts of a few 10$^{-3}$ in the near-infrared with PIONIER (H band) and GRAVITY (K band). Nulling interferometers in the northern hemisphere and non-redundant aperture masking experiments have, however, demonstrated that contrasts of at least a few 10$^{-4}$ are within reach using specific beam combination and data acquisition techniques. In this paper, we explore the possibility to reach similar or higher contrasts on the VLTI. After reviewing the state-of-the-art in high-contrast infrared interferometry, we discuss key features that made the success of other high-contrast interferometric instruments (e.g., integrated optics, nulling, closure phase, and statistical data reduction) and address possible avenues to improve the contrast of the VLTI by at least one order of magnitude. In particular, we discuss the possibility to use integrated optics, proven in the near-infrared, in the thermal near-infrared (L and M bands, 3-5 µm), a sweet spot to image and characterize young extra-solar planetary systems. Finally, we address the science cases of a high-contrast VLTI imaging instrument and focus particularly on exoplanet science (young exoplanets, planet formation, and exozodiacal disks), stellar physics (fundamental parameters and multiplicity), and extragalactic astrophysics (active galactic nuclei and fundamental constants). Synergies and scientific preparation for other potential future instruments such as the Planet Formation Imager are also briefly discussed.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Defrere, Denis ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Absil, Olivier  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Berger, J.-P.
Boulet, T.
Danchi, W. C.
Ertel, S.
Gallenne, A.
Hénault, F.
Hinz, P.
Huby, E.
Ireland, M.
Kraus, S.
Labadie, L.
Le Bouquin, J.-B.
Martin, G.
Matter, A.
Mérand, A.
Mennesson, B.
Minardi, S.
Monnier, J.
Norris, B.
Orban De Xivry, Gilles  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Pedretti, E.
Pott, J.-U.
Reggiani, Maddelana
Serabyn, E.
Surdej, Jean  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO)
Tristram, K. R. W.
Woillez, J.
More authors (19 more) Less
Language :
English
Title :
The path towards high-contrast imaging with the VLTI: the Hi-5 project
Publication date :
20 June 2018
Journal title :
Experimental Astronomy
ISSN :
0922-6435
eISSN :
1572-9508
Publisher :
Kluwer Academic Publishers, Netherlands
Special issue title :
Future of Optical-infrared Interferometry in Europe
Volume :
1801
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
European Projects :
H2020 - 730890 - OPTICON - Optical Infrared Coordination Network for Astronomy
Funders :
CE - Commission Européenne [BE]
Commentary :
24 pages, 2 figures, published in Experimental Astronomy
Available on ORBi :
since 15 January 2018

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