Hi, I’m Roxanne Ligi, a post-doctorate researcher working at the Observatory of the Côte d’Azur in Nice.

Exoplanet detection is a challenge, whatever the technique used. I’m working on a data analysis method called Kernel phase as part of the ERC KERNEL led by F. Martinache. My goal is to use this technique in the frame of sparse aperture masking in order to detect exoplanets very close to the star, below the diffraction limit.

I’m also an expert of optical interferometry, that I use to measure the angular diameter of stars. In particular, I’m interested in stars hosting transiting exoplanets. Knowing the stellar radius allows to estimate the planetary radius, and thus, to get enough information to derive the nature of the exoplanet.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you want to learn more about interferometry at the milliarcsecond scale, sparse aperture masking, and exoplanetary systems!