Astrometric detection of exoplanets in face-on orbits using vortex filters

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Authors: Rhenish Simon, Miguel Lao Revilla, Nathaniel Hermosa
Cited by: 0
References: 26

Abstract

We propose a method to detect exoplanets based on their host star's intensity centroid after it passes thru a vortex filter. Based on our calculations with planets in face-on orbits, exoplanets with relative proximity to their host stars and with low mass ratios ($m_p/m_s$) can have discernible signals that can be amplified by the topological charge $\ell$ of the vortex filter. For exoplanets that have higher mass ratios and are far from their host stars, a clear signal can also be obtained but these are not affected by the value of $\ell$ and other planet detection methods may be more suitable. We present a simple table-top optical experiment to support our calculations. Our proposed method adds to the arsenal of techniques for astrometric exoplanet detection.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing Stellar planetary and galactic studies Astronomy and Astrophysical Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical Review Applied
Volume
25
Issue
3
Publication date
13 February 2026
Language
EN