Article (Scientific journals)
Fundamental Limitations of High Contrast Imaging Set by Small Sample Statistics
Mawet, D.; Milli, J.; Wahhaj, Z. et al.
2014In Astrophysical Journal, 792, p. 97
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Keywords :
methods: statistical; techniques: high angular resolution
Abstract :
[en] In this paper, we review the impact of small sample statistics on detection thresholds and corresponding confidence levels (CLs) in high-contrast imaging at small angles. When looking close to the star, the number of resolution elements decreases rapidly toward small angles. This reduction of the number of degrees of freedom dramatically affects CLs and false alarm probabilities. Naively using the same ideal hypothesis and methods as for larger separations, which are well understood and commonly assume Gaussian noise, can yield up to one order of magnitude error in contrast estimations at fixed CL. The statistical penalty exponentially increases toward very small inner working angles. Even at 5-10 resolution elements from the star, false alarm probabilities can be significantly higher than expected. Here we present a rigorous statistical analysis that ensures robustness of the CL, but also imposes a substantial limitation on corresponding achievable detection limits (thus contrast) at small angles. This unavoidable fundamental statistical effect has a significant impact on current coronagraphic and future high-contrast imagers. Finally, the paper concludes with practical recommendations to account for small number statistics when computing the sensitivity to companions at small angles and when exploiting the results of direct imaging planet surveys.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Mawet, D.
Milli, J.
Wahhaj, Z.
Pelat, D.
Absil, Olivier  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Delacroix, Christian  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Boccaletti, A.
Kasper, M.
Kenworthy, M.
Marois, C.
Mennesson, B.
Pueyo, L.
Language :
English
Title :
Fundamental Limitations of High Contrast Imaging Set by Small Sample Statistics
Publication date :
10 September 2014
Journal title :
Astrophysical Journal
ISSN :
0004-637X
eISSN :
1538-4357
Publisher :
IOP Publishing, Bristol, United Kingdom
Volume :
792
Pages :
97
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
European Projects :
FP7 - 337569 - VORTEX - Taking extrasolar planet imaging to a new level with vector vortex coronagraphy
Name of the research project :
VORTEX
Funders :
CE - Commission Européenne [BE]
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since 21 October 2014

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