# First Demonstration of Kernel Phase Interferometry on JWST/MIRI: Prospects for Future Planet Searches Around Post Main Sequence Stars

**Authors:** Chelsea Adelman, Steph Sallum, Matthew De Furio, Josh Eisner  
**arXiv:** [2510.13064](https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.13064)  
**Date:** 2025-10-15  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2510.13064v1/

## Key points

- Kernel phase interferometry (KPI) enhances angular resolution by modeling the telescope pupil as an array of virtual subapertures.
- KPI eliminates instrumental phase errors to achieve angular resolution within the diffraction limit.
- KPI is effective for boosting angular resolution on both space- and ground-based observatories, particularly useful for enhancing space telescopes due to their smaller diameters.
- The study demonstrates the first application of KPI on JWST/MIRI data at wavelengths of 7.7 microns, 10 microns, and 15 microns.
- Results show significantly deeper contrast at small angular separations compared to traditional imaging with JWST/MIRI, achieving resolutions down to within λ/D.
- KPI has unique capabilities at these wavelengths in accessing orbital parameter space where inward-migrating post-main-sequence giant exoplanets are believed to exist.
- Applying KPI to a larger sample of white dwarfs observed with JWST could lead to an increase in directly imaged close-in post-main-sequence exoplanets.

## Summary

In their paper titled "First Demonstration of Kernel Phase Interferometry on JWST/MIRI: Prospects for Future Planet Searches Around Post Main Sequence Stars," authors Chelsea Adelman, Steph Sallum, Matthew De Furio, and Josh Eisner introduce the concept of kernel phase interferometry (KPI) as a powerful post-processing technique that enhances the angular resolution of conventional telescopes. By modeling the telescope pupil as an array of virtual subapertures, KPI effectively eliminates instrumental phase errors to achieve angular resolution within the diffraction limit. The authors demonstrate the effectiveness of KPI in boosting angular resolution on both space- and ground-based observatories, with a particular emphasis on its utility for enhancing space telescopes due to their smaller diameters compared to ground-based facilities. is a crucial factor in astronomical observations as it determines the level of detail that can be captured by a telescope. In this study, the authors present the first application of KPI on JWST/MIRI data at wavelengths of 7.7 microns, 10 microns, and 15 microns. They analyze data from the MIRI Exoplanets Orbiting White dwarfs (MEOW) Survey and generate contrast curves for 16 white dwarfs. The results show significantly deeper contrast at small angular separations compared to traditional imaging with JWST/MIRI, achieving resolutions down to within λ/D. Furthermore,  using KPI. The analysis conducted in this study highlights the unique capabilities of KPI at these wavelengths in accessing orbital parameter space where inward-migrating post-main-sequence giant exoplanets are believed to exist. The authors discuss the potential implications of applying KPI to a larger sample of white dwarfs observed with JWST, which could lead to an increase in directly imaged close-in post-main-sequence exoplanets. Overall, this research showcases the promising prospects for future planet searches around post-main sequence stars through the innovative application of kernel phase interferometry.