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arXiv · 1501.02509

Demonstration of a Near-IR Laser Comb for Precision Radial Velocity Measurements in Astronomy

X. Yi·K. Vahala·S. Diddams·G. Ycas·P. Plavchan·S. Leifer·J. Sandhu·G. Vasisht·P. Chen·P. Gao·J. Gagne·E. Furlan·M. Bottom·E. Martin·M. Fitzgerald·G. Doppmann·C. Beichman
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Abstract

We describe a successful effort to produce a laser comb around 1.55 $\mu$m in the astronomical H band using a method based on a line-referenced, electro-optical-modulation frequency comb. We discuss the experimental setup, laboratory results, and proof of concept demonstrations at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) and the Keck-II telescope. The laser comb has a demonstrated stability of $<$ 200 kHz, corresponding to a Doppler precision of ~0.3 m/s. This technology, when coupled with a high spectral resolution spectrograph, offers the promise of $<$1 m/s radial velocity precision suitable for the detection of Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones of cool M-type stars.

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X. Yi, K. Vahala, S. Diddams, G. Ycas, P. Plavchan, S. Leifer, J. Sandhu, G. Vasisht, P. Chen, P. Gao, J. Gagne, E. Furlan, M. Bottom, E. Martin, M. Fitzgerald, G. Doppmann, C. Beichman. 2015-01-11. Demonstration of a Near-IR Laser Comb for Precision Radial Velocity Measurements in Astronomy. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms10436

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