Algorithms for direct radio detections of exoplanets in the neighbourhood of radiating host stars

Abstract

Recent studies on extra solar planets (exoplanets) provide us with a new glimpse into the Milky Way's composition. Exoplanets appear to be very typical around Sun-like stars. Knowing more about the existence, the composition and location of extra solar planets will give us more information about the formation of the Universe. The majority of the discoveries of exoplanets is measured by indirect means (radial velocity method, transit method, astrometry and microlensing), while a small number have been discovered through direct visual imaging. If a direct radio observation of the exoplanets signal was possible, new scientific information will help us in the search for Earth like planets, including more details of these planets. Magnetised exoplanets are expected to emit strongly at radio wavelengths, in the same way as magnetised planets in our own solar system do. Direct radio observations of exoplanets, therefore, will give important additional information to science. It would confirm that the planet has a magnetic field and it will also put a limit on the magnetic field strength near the surface of the planet. At this moment, however, no single detection of exoplanets via radio direct imaging is achieved. In recent work, we propose the development of a space-based radio telescope in the ultra-long wavelength range. In spring 2018, the first antenna for this frequency range will be launched and operational. Although this will enable an observational platform for ultra-long wavelength signals, one of the main problems has to be solved: the detection of a weak signal of the exoplanet close to a radiation host star. In this paper we will present algorithms to detect the weak exoplanet signal out of the data. Also requirements for the exoplanet-detector will be presented.