Optimal strategies of radial velocity observations in planet search surveys

TL;DR

This paper applies optimal experimental design theory to radial velocity surveys, proposing algorithms for scheduling observations that maximize parameter precision and model discrimination, especially in complex multi-planet systems.

Contribution

It introduces novel algorithms for optimal scheduling of radial velocity observations based on information theory criteria, enhancing exoplanet detection and characterization.

Findings

Algorithms effectively improve orbital parameter estimation.

Optimal observation times often cluster in narrow windows.

Methods are applicable to multi-planet and resonant systems.

Abstract

Applications of the theory of optimal design of experiments to radial velocity planet search surveys are considered. Different optimality criteria are discussed, basing on the Fisher, Shannon, and Kullback-Leibler informations. Algorithms of optimal scheduling of RV observations for two important practical problems are considered. The first problem is finding the time for future observations to yield the maximum improvement of the precision of exoplanetary orbital parameters and masses. The second problem is finding the most favourable time for distinguishing alternative orbital fits (the scheduling of discriminating observations). These methods of optimal planning are demonstrated to be potentially efficient for multi-planet extrasolar systems, in particular for resonant ones. In these cases, the optimal dates of observations are often concentrated in quite narrow time segments.