Visible extreme adaptive optics on extremely large telescopes: Towards detecting oxygen in Proxima Centauri b and analogs

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of visible extreme adaptive optics technology for ground-based telescopes to enable the detection of atmospheric oxygen in exoplanets like Proxima Centauri b, advancing exo-Earth imaging capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces the UNDERGROUND collaboration, outlining technological requirements and future steps for high-contrast imaging of exoplanet atmospheres in visible light.

Findings

Identifies key technological challenges for visible ExAO.

Proposes instrumental requirements for oxygen detection.

Highlights the importance of further technology development.

Abstract

Looking to the future of exo-Earth imaging from the ground, core technology developments are required in visible extreme adaptive optics (ExAO) to enable the observation of atmospheric features such as oxygen on rocky planets in visible light. UNDERGROUND (Ultra-fast AO techNology Determination for Exoplanet imageRs from the GROUND), a collaboration built in Feb. 2023 at the Optimal Exoplanet Imagers Lorentz Workshop, aims to (1) motivate oxygen detection in Proxima Centauri b and analogs as an informative science case for high-contrast imaging and direct spectroscopy, (2) overview the state of the field with respect to visible exoplanet imagers, and (3) set the instrumental requirements to achieve this goal and identify what key technologies require further development.