Exoplanetary Atmosphere Spectroscopy using Silicon Waveguide Ring Resonators

Abstract

We present a correlation spectrometer using a silicon waveguide ring resonator for the identification of molecules in stellar and planetary atmospheres. We tailor the free spectral range of a ring resonator to the vibronic overtones of carbon dioxide in the near infrared. The ring resonator spectrum is modulated via the thermo-optic effect and produces a detection signal unique to carbon dioxide. This spectrometer can be used for real-time remote gas detection and radial velocities of exoplanets in a narrow spectral band.