Romain Laugier

Post-Doctoral Researcher

High contrast interferometry for direct detection of exoplanets. SCIFY project and Hi5/VIKiNG/ASGARD instrument at VLTI

High Contrast Imaging -- Interferometry -- Kernel Nulling -- Kernel Phases -- Exoplanets

Current Research Summary:

Direct measurement and spectroscopy of exoplanets is extremely difficult because of the contrast and tiny angular separation to the star. The techniques like coronagraphy and nulling interferometry that avoid the limitation of the photon noise from the star, end up being vulnerable to the tiniest instrumental optical path differences.
Through my work in kernel phases and kernel-nulling interferometry, I'm trying to develop techniques, both in signal processing and in optics, to provide more robust observables that are both more accurate and more reliable. This would make a much larger sample of planets accessible to direct characterization.

Prior Research: