JexoSim 2.0: End-to-end JWST simulator for exoplanet spectroscopy - Implementation and case studies

Sarkar, Subhajit and Madhusudhan, Nikku 2021. JexoSim 2.0: End-to-end JWST simulator for exoplanet spectroscopy - Implementation and case studies. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 508 (1) , pp. 433-452. 10.1093/mnras/stab2472

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Abstract

The recently developed JWST Exoplanet Observation Simulator (JexoSim) simulates transit spectroscopic observations of exoplanets by JWST with each of its four instruments using a time-domain approach. Previously we reported the validation of JexoSim against Pandexo and instrument team simulators. In the present study, we report a substantially enhanced version, JexoSim 2.0, which improves on the original version through incorporation of new noise sources, enhanced treatment of stellar and planetary signals and instrumental effects, as well as improved user-operability and optimizations for increased speed and efficiency. A near complete set of instrument modes for exoplanet time-series observations is now included. In this paper we report the implementation of JexoSim 2.0 and assess performance metrics for JWST in end-member scenarios using the hot Jupiter HD 209458 b and the mini-Neptune K2-18 b. We show how JexoSim can be used to compare performance across the different JWST instruments, selecting an optimal combination of instrument and subarray modes, producing synthetic transmission spectra for each planet. These studies indicate that the 1.4 μm water feature detected in the atmosphere of K2-18 b using the Hubble WFC3 might be observable in just one transit observation with JWST with either NIRISS or NIRSpec. JexoSim 2.0 can be used to investigate the impact of complex noise and systematic effects on the final spectrum, plan observations and test the feasibility of novel science cases for JWST. It can also be customised for other astrophysical applications beyond exoplanet spectroscopy. JexoSim 2.0 is now available for use by the scientific community.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Physics and Astronomy
Publisher:	Royal Astronomical Society
ISSN:	0035-8711
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	13 September 2021
Date of Acceptance:	17 August 2021
Last Modified:	21 Sep 2023 05:19
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/143978

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