Optimal Architectures and Survey Designs for Maximizing the Yields of Direct-Imaging Exoplanet Missions

Abstract

Our ability to answer scientific questions about exoplanets hinges on satisfying an age-old astronomical requirement: a sufficient sample size. Thus, the yield of exoplanets is critical to understanding the scientific impact of future missions. We discuss how the yield of directly-imaged exoplanets depends on mission scale and survey design