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Split differential transit photometry

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Abstract

Transit photometry is a dependable method for detecting and characterizing exoplanets. However, the usual transit detection method requires a substantial amount of signal processing since the dip in the signal detected, an indication that there is a planet in transit, is minuscule compared to the overall background signal due mainly to its host star. In this paper, we discuss how to achieve higher planetary signals and lower noises by subtracting the flux of the equal halves of a host star — a split differential detection. We derive an expression of the split differential light curve and investigate the effect of two common noises: the white Gaussian background noise and the noise due to the occurrences of sunspots. We show that in separate simulations and derivation of analytical expression, the split differential transit doubles the signal and reduces the effective noise by a factor of \(1/\sqrt {2}\). While our idea may be simple, a split differential detection can be realizable and can provide a more precise estimation of planetary parameters.

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Data Availability

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article. Raw data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the UP System Enhanced Creative Work and Research Grant (ECWRG 2019-2-06-R).

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  1. National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines

    Ma. Janelle G. Manuel & Nathaniel Hermosa

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  1. Ma. Janelle G. Manuel
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  2. Nathaniel Hermosa
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Correspondence to Ma. Janelle G. Manuel.

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Manuel, M.J.G., Hermosa, N. Split differential transit photometry. Astrophys Space Sci 367, 45 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-022-04075-0

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