In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the application of kernel phase interferometry (KPI) on the James Webb Space Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). This innovative post-processing technique transforms conventional telescopes into interferometers by modeling the telescope pupil as an array of virtual subapertures. By doing so, KPI enhances angular resolution within the diffraction limit, effectively eliminating instrumental phase errors to first order. The technique has previously proven its mettle on both space- and ground-based observatories, but its implementation on the JWST/MIRI marks a significant milestone.
The research, led by Chelsea Adelman, Steph Sallum, Matthew De Furio, and Josh Eisner, showcases KPI’s potential at wavelengths of 7.7 microns, 10 microns, and 15 microns. The team generated contrast curves for 16 white dwarfs from the MIRI Exoplanets Orbiting White Dwarfs (MEOW) Survey, achieving significantly deeper contrast at small angular separations compared to traditional imaging with JWST/MIRI. This advancement brings the resolution down to within the theoretical limit of λ/D, where λ is the wavelength of light and D is the diameter of the telescope aperture.
One of the most compelling aspects of this study is the successful recovery of four known companions orbiting white dwarfs and brown dwarfs. This achievement underscores KPI’s capability to access the orbital parameter space where inward-migrating post-main-sequence giant exoplanets are believed to reside. The implications for exoplanet research are profound, as KPI opens up new avenues for directly imaging close-in post-main-sequence exoplanets.
The researchers discuss the prospects of applying KPI to a larger sample of white dwarfs observed with JWST, which could substantially increase the volume of directly imaged exoplanets in close orbits around post-main-sequence stars. This technique not only enhances our ability to study exoplanets but also provides a powerful tool for exploring the intricate dynamics of stellar systems.
The successful demonstration of KPI on JWST/MIRI represents a significant leap forward in astronomical imaging technology. By pushing the boundaries of angular resolution, this technique promises to unlock new discoveries and deepen our understanding of the universe. As researchers continue to refine and apply KPI, the potential for groundbreaking insights into exoplanetary systems and stellar evolution becomes ever more promising.
