Peering through SPHERE Images: A Glance at Contrast Limitations

TL;DR

This paper reviews the features in SPHERE images, explains their origins through simulations, and discusses contrast limitations, guiding future instrument upgrades and the development of next-generation high-contrast telescopes.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of contrast limitations in SPHERE images and offers insights for improving high-contrast imaging instruments.

Findings

Identification of features limiting contrast in SPHERE images

Simulation-based understanding of feature origins

Guidance for future instrument upgrades

Abstract

Various structures are visible within Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch instrument (SPHERE) images that are not always straightforward to interpret. In this article we present a review of these features and demonstrate their origin using simulations. We also identify which expected or unexpected features are limiting the contrast reached by the instrument and how they may be tackled. This vision paves the way to designing a future upgrade of the SPHERE instrument and the next generation of high-contrast instruments such as those planned for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).