Extreme AO for Extrasolar planet detection with ELTs: fundamental and instrumental limitations.
T. Fusco¹, C. Verinaud², G. Rousset¹, J.-L. Beuzit³, M. Kasper², A. Boccaletti⁴, D. Mouillet⁵, N. Hubin², A.-M. Lagrange^3
1 ONERA, Chatillon, France ² ESO, Garching, Germany ³ LAOG, Grenbole, France
⁴ LESIA, Paris, France ⁵ OMP, Tarbes, France
Direct detection and spectral characterization of exo-planets is one of the most exciting but also one of the most challenging area in the current astronomy. "Planet Finder" systems are now under design on ground-based 10-m class telescopes and should allow astronomers to detect Jovian-like planet in a few years around stars aged typically < 1 Gyr. The extension of such kind of instruments for future Extremely Large Telescope (30 to 100 m class) is an extrordinarily challenging but exciting bet.

The ultimate goal is the detection of telluric extra-solar planets. It implies an extremely high contrast long exposure imaging capability at near infra-red and probably visible wavelengths. Only regarding the fundamental limitations in terms of detectivity, the required contrasts may probably be achieved. But the addition of instrumental limitations may severely limit the system performance and, in fine, reduce the detection capability.

We investigate, in that framework, the study of extreme AO systems for various ELT sizes (from 30 to 100 meters). In each case, the main limitations of the AO systems are highlighted, trade-offs and new concepts are proposed in close links with the scientific requirements. This kind of study may allow us to perform a global optimization (including available targets, telescope diameter, wavelengths, AO system, coronograph ...) in order to maximize the scientific return in the field of planet detection and characterization.

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