Planet Formation Imager (PFI): science vision and key requirements

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作者：

S Kraus，JD Monnier，MJ Ireland，G Duchêne，GP Rosotti

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摘要：

The Planet Formation Imager (PFI) project aims to provide a strong scientificvision for ground-based optical astronomy beyond the upcoming generation ofExtremely Large Telescopes. We make the case that a breakthrough in angularresolution imaging capabilities is required in order to unravel the processesinvolved in planet formation. PFI will be optimised to provide a completecensus of the protoplanet population at all stellocentric radii and over theage range from 0.1 to about 100 Myr. Within this age period, planetary systemsundergo dramatic changes and the final architecture of planetary systems isdetermined. Our goal is to study the planetary birth on the natural spatialscale where the material is assembled, which is the "Hill Sphere" of theforming planet, and to characterise the protoplanetary cores by measuring theirmasses and physical properties. Our science working group has investigated theobservational characteristics of these young protoplanets as well as themigration mechanisms that might alter the system architecture. We simulated theimprints that the planets leave in the disk and study how PFI couldrevolutionise areas ranging from exoplanet to extragalactic science. In thiscontribution we outline the key science drivers of PFI and discuss therequirements that will guide the technology choices, the site selection, andpotential science/technology tradeoffs.

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关键词：

Imaging systems Planets Vision Planetary systems Spatial resolution Large telescopes Astronomy Exoplanets