Model of the Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence with Coronagraphic Imaging
Christina L. Vides, Bruce Macintosh, Breanna A. Binder, Robert J. De, Rosa, Jean-Baptiste Ruffio, Dmitry Savransky

TL;DR
This paper models the detection limits of GPI and WFIRST coronagraphs for extraterrestrial laser signals, demonstrating their potential to identify signals from nearby stars like τ Ceti within habitable zones.
Contribution
It introduces a method to estimate the detectability of extraterrestrial laser signals using current and future coronagraphic telescopes, based on archival and simulated data.
Findings
GPI can detect a 24 kW laser from τ Ceti outside its habitable zone.
WFIRST can detect a 7.3 W laser within τ Ceti's habitable zone.
Detection limits depend on laser power, distance, and instrument sensitivity.
Abstract
We present modeled detection limits of the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) and the Wide-Field Infrared Space Telescope (WFIRST) to an optical and infrared laser which could be used by an extraterrestrial civilization to signal their presence. GPI and WFIRST could utilize a coronagraph to search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) in the present and future. We use archival data for GPI stars and simulated WFIRST observations to find the detectable flux ratio of a laser signal to residual scattered starlight around the target star. This flux ratio is then converted to detectable power as a function of distance from the parent star. For GPI, we assume a monochromatic laser wavelength of 1.55 m, and a wavelength of 575 nm for WFIRST. We assume the lasers are projected through a 10-m aperture, and that the intensity of the laser beam follows a Gaussian profile. Our analysis is performed…
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