Precision vs Cadence
Simulating Observation of Weak Planetary Signals in Microlensing Events
is the title of my final year dissertation for my MPhys degree.
Unfamiliar with the topic? Consider reading the [ gravitational microlensing primer ] before continuing.
When searching for exoplanets via gravitational microlensing events, the choice of imaging cadence is crucial.
Planetary perturbations to PSPL light curves may only last a few hours, setting an upper limit to the range
of cadences at which they can be detected. For this reason, many observations opt to prioritise a high cadence over
photometric precision. However, debate continues as to whether this approach is the most effective for identifying
planetary signals.
For my MPhys dissertation I have simulated a realistic three-step microlensing search survey, experimenting with
various balances of precision vs cadence to identify an optimal search strategy. Model double-lens light curves
generated by the Python MulensModel package are injected into real astronomical data, which is then systematically
sampled to replicate the results of an exoplanet search.
Progress
light curve simulationcorrelated noise simulation