The Planet Formation Imager

TL;DR

The Planet Formation Imager (PFI) is a proposed advanced infrared interferometer array designed to directly image and study the active processes of planet formation in nearby star-forming regions, focusing on warm dust and young exoplanets.

Contribution

This paper introduces the PFI concept, outlines its scientific goals, proposes a baseline architecture, and discusses technical challenges and future activities for realization.

Findings

PFI can image active planet formation in nearby regions.

The design includes mid-infrared sensitivity and high spectral resolution modes.

Technical challenges and development activities are identified.

Abstract

The Planet Formation Imager (PFI, www.planetformationimager.org) is a next-generation infrared interferometer array with the primary goal of imaging the active phases of planet formation in nearby star forming regions. PFI will be sensitive to warm dust emission using mid-infrared capabilities made possible by precise fringe tracking in the near-infrared. An L/M band combiner will be especially sensitive to thermal emission from young exoplanets (and their disks) with a high spectral resolution mode to probe the kinematics of CO and H2O gas. In this paper, we give an overview of the main science goals of PFI, define a baseline PFI architecture that can achieve those goals, point at remaining technical challenges, and suggest activities today that will help make the Planet Formation Imager facility a reality.