Graeme Salter
Oxford University
 

"High Contrast Observations with Slicer-Based Integral Field Spectrographs"
 

All new direct detection instruments are now incorporating an Integral Field Spectrograph (IFS) due to their unique ability to both detect and characterise companions in a single observation thus obviating the need for expensive follow-ups. Using an IFS and a method called spectral deconvolution to eliminate quasi-static speckles we can achieve required contrasts by surpassing the limiting speckle noise. It has previously been thought that non common path errors in image slicer based IFSs would limit the achievable contrast by modifying the speckle pattern, however, our recent results with SINFONI (an instrument not designed for high contrast application) on the VLT has provided reason to doubt this. As part of the EPICS (Exo-Planet Imaging Camera and Spectrograph on the E-ELT) design study an investigation has been made into whether slicer based integral field spectrographs do limit the achievable contrast as apposed to other IFU types and if so why and by how much. I will present results from the slicer IFS investigations as well as describe the method of spectral deconvolution, which is employed to eliminate speckles using their chromatic behaviour.