Unlocking the Secrets of Exoplanets with Liquid Crystal Technology
In a groundbreaking advancement for space exploration, researchers from the University of Bern and the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland are set to enhance our ability to detect and directly image exoplanets with the introduction of the Programmable Liquid-crystal Active Coronagraphic Imager, or PLACID. Installed at the newly built Eastern Anatolian Observatory in Turkey, this innovative instrument harnesses the power of liquid crystals to revolutionize the field of exoplanet imaging.
Revolutionizing Traditional Imaging Techniques
Traditionally, most exoplanets have been discovered using indirect techniques that rely on observing changes in the brightness of stars. However, direct imaging provides an illuminating perspective into the atmospheres and compositions of these celestial bodies, which can reveal essential information about their formation and potential habitability. The PLACID instrument aims to change the current landscape of discovery, which has only succeeded in capturing a handful of exoplanets directly.
The Magic of Adaptive Liquid Crystals
At the heart of PLACID is a clever use of spatial light modulators (SLMs) that operate using liquid crystals—similar to those found in everyday devices like smartphones and television screens. This advanced system allows for the real-time adaptation of optical masks, making it possible to eliminate the bright light of a star and visualize the much fainter planets orbiting them.
“We can create complex optical masks at the click of a button,” explained Ruben Tandon, a doctoral candidate involved in the project. This adaptability is crucial, especially when targeting systems with multiple stars, where traditional coronagraphy struggles to block light effectively.
Closing the Gap on Exoplanet Research
The PLACID telescope is poised to tackle difficult targets, including circumbinary planets and proto-planetary disks—regions where new planets form. Currently, about half of all stars are in binary systems, and until now, no exoplanet orbiting two stars has been directly imaged. “With PLACID, we can adapt the mask in real time to block the light coming from any star systems we choose,” Tandon said, showcasing the transformative potential of this new technology.
Building Towards a Future of Discovery
As we move towards the first on-sky observations anticipated in early 2026, the launch of PLACID marks a significant step forward in the quest to understand our universe. The data it collects will not only broaden our vision of where and how planets are formed, but may also lead to exciting discoveries of new exoplanets.
With increasing collaboration across global teams, this project harnesses more than just innovative technology; it represents a shared commitment to unveiling the many mysteries of the cosmos. As Prof. Jonas Kühn emphasized, “PLACID is a stepping stone towards a future where direct imaging will be central to exoplanet exploration.”
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