Peering through SPHERE Images: A Glance at Contrast Limitations

Abstract

Various structures are visible within Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch instrument (SPHERE) images that are not always straightforward to interpret. In this article we present a review of these features and demonstrate their origin using simulations. We also identify which expected or unexpected features are limiting the contrast reached by the instrument and how they may be tackled. This vision paves the way to designing a future upgrade of the SPHERE instrument and the next generation of high-contrast instruments such as those planned for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).