1) Synthetic observations of protoplanets with ELT/MICADO

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and its first-light instrument, MICADO, will revolutionize the study of planet formation by enabling high-contrast imaging and spectroscopy of protoplanetary disks. This thesis project focuses on the detection and spectroscopic characterization of giant protoplanets forming near the snowline, a key region for gas giant formation. The student will analyze the output of hydrodynamic simulations of disk-planet interactions, identifying signatures of embedded planets such as gaps and spirals. These simulations will be post-processed with the radiative transfer code MCFOST to generate realistic thermal and scattered light images. The final step will involve using TIPTOP to simulate the adaptive optics point spread function (PSF) of MICADO, creating synthetic observations at ELT’s expected resolution. Particular attention will be given to assessing the feasibility of spectroscopic characterization in the near-infrared, including the detection of molecular signatures in planetary atmospheres. This study will help refine observing strategies for future ELT campaigns targeting young, forming exoplanets.

2) Advanced PSF Subtraction Techniques for JWST/NIRCam and JWST/MIRI Data
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is transforming exoplanetary science with its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution in the infrared. However, high-contrast imaging with JWST remains challenging due to the presence of residual starlight, requiring advanced Point Spread Function (PSF) subtraction techniques to reveal faint planetary companions. This thesis project focuses on developing and applying state-of-the-art PSF subtraction methods for JWST/NIRCam and JWST/MIRI data. The student will analyze archival JWST observations, implementing and optimizing PSF subtraction algorithms to enhance contrast performance. A key component of the project will be the adaptation of the TIPTOP tool to model the PSF under different observing conditions, enabling more accurate subtraction. The goal is to improve the detectability of faint exoplanetary companions and circumstellar structures, with a particular emphasis on robust statistical validation of detections. This work will contribute to refining high-contrast imaging techniques for JWST and preparing for future direct imaging studies of exoplanets.

3) Searching for Planet-Induced Spirals in Protoplanetary Disks with VLT/ERIS
The detection of planet-induced structures in protoplanetary disks is key to understanding planet formation and disk evolution. The recently commissioned ERIS instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) provides a unique opportunity to study these structures at high angular resolution using coronagraphic imaging. This thesis project focuses on analyzing ERIS observations of protoplanetary disks from various observational surveys, with the goal of identifying spiral features induced by embedded planets. The student will apply and compare different post-processing techniques, including Reference Differential Imaging (RDI) and Locally Optimized Combination of Images (LOCI), to optimize PSF subtraction and enhance disk contrast. The final step will involve assessing the detectability and morphology of spirals, potentially linking them to the presence of forming planets. This study will provide new insights into the dynamics of planet-disk interactions and contribute to the ongoing effort to directly detect young planets embedded in their natal disks.