The Scientific Impact of a Noiseless Energy-Resolving Detector for a Future Exoplanet-Imaging Mission

TL;DR

A noiseless, energy-resolving detector could dramatically increase the number of exoplanets characterized in future space missions, significantly enhancing scientific returns without additional observational costs.

Contribution

This study models the potential impact of advanced noiseless detectors on exoplanet spectroscopy, highlighting their ability to vastly expand survey capabilities.

Findings

Potential to observe hundreds more exoplanets in HWO surveys

Significant increase in scientific yield with noiseless detectors

Assumed improvements include higher quantum efficiency and optical throughput

Abstract

Future space missions that aim to detect and characterize Earth-like exoplanets will require an instrument that efficiently measures spectra of these planets, placing strict requirements on detector performance. The upcoming Roman Space Telescope will demonstrate the performance of an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) as part of the coronagraphic instrument (CGI). The recent LUVOIR and HabEx studies baselined pairing such a detector with an integral field spectrograph (IFS) to take spectra of multiple exoplanets and debris disks simultaneously. We investigate the scientific impact of a noiseless energy-resolving detector for the planned Habitable Worlds Observatory's (HWO) coronagraphic instrument. By assuming higher quantum efficiency, higher optical throughput, and zero noise, we effectively place upper limits on the impact of advancing detector technologies. We find that energy-resolving detectors would potentially take spectra of hundreds of additional exoplanets "for free" over the course of an HWO survey, greatly increasing its scientific yield.