The SPICA coronagraphic instrument (SCI) for the study of exoplanets

TL;DR

The paper introduces the SPICA Coronagraphic Instrument (SCI), designed for high-contrast infrared observations of exoplanets from space, featuring dual modes, specific wavelength ranges, and innovative coronagraph designs.

Contribution

It presents the design specifications, dual observational modes, and two novel binary shaped pupil mask coronagraphs for the SCI instrument.

Findings

Achieved a target contrast of 10^-6 in the 3.5-27 μm range.

Developed two complementary binary shaped pupil mask coronagraph designs.

Reported progress in key technology development for SCI.

Abstract

We present the SPICA Coronagraphic Instrument (SCI), which has been designed for a concentrated study of extra-solar planets (exoplanets). SPICA mission provides us with a unique opportunity to make high contrast observations because of its large telescope aperture, the simple pupil shape, and the capability for making infrared observations from space. The primary objectives for the SCI are the direct coronagraphic detection and spectroscopy of Jovian exoplanets in infrared, while the monitoring of transiting planets is another important target. The specification and an overview of the design of the instrument are shown. In the SCI, coronagraphic and non-coronagraphic modes are applicable for both an imaging and a spectroscopy. The core wavelength range and the goal contrast of the coronagraphic mode are 3.5--27$\mu$m, and 10$^{-6}$, respectively. Two complemental designs of binary shaped pupil mask coronagraph are presented. The SCI has capability of simultaneous observations of one target using two channels, a short channel with an InSb detector and a long wavelength channel with a Si:As detector. We also give a report on the current progress in the development of key technologies for the SCI.