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Absolute Astronomical Accelerometry: A New Tool for Planetary Searching

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 August 2017

Pierre Connes
Pierre Connes*
Affiliation:
Service d'Aéronomie du CNRS, 91371 - Verrieres le Buisson, France

Abstract

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Absolute astronomical accelerometry is a new proposed technique specifically optimized to detect small radial velocity changes (i.e. accelerations) of either the Sun or a star; it is intended for the two problems of stellar seismology and the search for extrasolar planetary systems. In both cases the computed performance is such that positive results should be obtainable in a large number of cases with a moderate size telescope. Essentially the method involves two separate and simultaneous servo loops. In the first a variable path-difference Fabry-Perot interferometer is adjusted so that its bandpasses track the fluctuations of the lines in the stellar spectrum. Then a tunable laser tracks the fluctuations of the FP and one has only to measure the beat frequency from a stabilized laser. The result is absolute i.e. obtained solely in terms of frequencies and the speed of light. All instrumental or spectral characteristics drop out; no calibration is required. Furthermore the method can be demonstrated to approach closely a so far never computed photon noise limit for radial velocities.

Type
Section II. The Search for Other Planetary Systems
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 112: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life: Recent Developments , 1985 , pp. 91 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © Reidel 1985 

References

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