Scientists developed device to search for alien life
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has created an innovative coronagraph, an optical device that blocks the bright light of a star, which may open the way to direct observation of previously inaccessible exoplanets, Optica journal reports
Reportedly, the new device is able to eliminate the blinding light of the star, allowing a researcher to see much dimmer planets orbiting it. It is capable of reaching the fundamental limits of detection and localisation of exoplanets set by quantum optics. Experiments in the laboratory have shown that the new system can determine the position of exoplanets even at distances up to 50 times smaller than the resolution of a conventional telescope allows.
Scientists are confident that their experiment will become the basis for the development of new methods of astronomical visualisation. They hope it can be used in quantum sensors, medical imaging, and telecommunications.
