Radial velocity technique

Abstract

The precise Doppler method for measuring stellar radial velocities (RV) is a fundamental technique in modern astronomy. This method records a star's spectrum and detects periodic Doppler shifts in its spectral features, which indicate the gravitational influences induced by orbiting companions. The Doppler technique has yielded remarkable successes in exoplanet detection, uncovering a diverse array of planetary systems ranging from hot Jupiters to Neptune-mass planets and super-Earths. Having led to the discovery of over 1100 exoplanets, the RV method is the most effective approach for measuring orbital geometries and minimum masses, which are of fundamental importance when accessing planet formation and evolution scenarios. However, exoplanet detection via precise RV measurements poses significant challenges, including managing various sources of interference, such as instrumental errors, and mitigating spurious Doppler shifts induced by phenomena like stellar activity. Key to this technique's advancement is instrumental calibration methods, notably precise calibration methods and ultra-stable spectrographs. This technique holds promise in systematically exploring the domain of Jovian analogs, rocky and icy planets within the habitable zones of their parent stars, and providing crucial follow-up observations for transiting candidates detected by space missions. The synergy between transit and Doppler measurements of exoplanets, when feasible, has provided a comprehensive set of orbital and physical parameters for exoplanets, such as the dynamical mass and mean planet density, which is enhancing our understanding of their internal composition. Additionally, ongoing efforts aim to improve the RV technique further by developing more stable calibration techniques aimed at detecting Earth-like analogs around Solar-type stars that require cm/s RV precision.