QLP Data Release Notes 002: Improved Detrending Algorithm

TL;DR

This paper introduces an improved detrending algorithm for light curve data, enhancing the removal of short-timescale systematics and increasing the precision of light curves for exoplanet detection.

Contribution

The paper presents a new detrending method that incorporates quaternion data to better eliminate short-term systematics in light curves.

Findings

Enhanced light curve precision achieved

Effective removal of short-timescale systematics

Improved data processing pipeline performance

Abstract

Light curves feature many kinds of variability, including instrumental systematics, intrinsic stellar variability such as pulsations, and flux changes caused by transiting exoplanets or eclipsing binary stars. Detrending is a key pre-planet-search data processing step that aims to remove variability not due to transits. This data release note describes improvements to the Quick-Look Pipeline's detrending algorithm via the inclusion of quaternion data to remove short-timescale systematics. We describe updates to our procedure, intermediate data products outputted by the algorithm, and improvements to light curve precision.