Abstract

We are exoplanet hunters, anchored for now to the only habitable planet we know of, around a relatively well-behaved yellow star. Other Earths have remained elusive, hidden deep within the noise of their own stars, and the limitations of our techniques. To overcome these challenges we adopt a multidisciplinary approach encompassing stellar and planetary physics, cutting edge instrumentation, and innovative data analysis techniques. Based on our technological and scientific advancements in the last decade, the field of radial velocity (RV) exoplanet detection is now poised to enter an exciting new phase. Currently in build+commissioning phases are planet hunting Doppler spectrographs aiming at <30cm/s RV precision in the optical in quest for Earth analogs, and <1m/s in the NIR in pursuit of M dwarf planets. These massive instruments leverage a range of technological advances, from high-homogeneity illumination delivery setups, to sophisticated wavelength calibration, ultra stable environmental control, and precision software pipelines. In this talk I will outline the state of the field in the context of six new planet hunting instruments I am working on, describe the challenges we have overcome, and look forward to the rich rewards we can consequently expect -- including an unprecedented understanding of stars, and the spectroscopic direct detection of planetary atmospheres from the ground.