Next-Gen modelling for high-precision exoplanet microlensing surveys

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The abundance of exoplanets not bound to any star, floating in the interstellar medium, known asfree floating planets (FFPs) is currently poorly constrained. Direct imaging has provided severalconfirmed FFPs, but does not allow us to extract FFP statistics. Via the gravitational microlensingmethod, we are more likely to find these illusive objects due to the methods invariability to the lensflux. Nonetheless, microlensing surveys have also provided only a handful of candidates. This is dueto the comparatively small masses of FFPs, on similar scales to planet masses, and thecorrespondingly short timescale of microlensing events. Upcoming surveys such as by the LargeSynoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) couldprovide unprecedented detail on the galactic population of FFPs and also allow for properties such asFFP mass measurements to be made, also providing insight into planetary formation. To this end, theproject will focus on developing an FFP search strategy for the LSST and WFIRST. This will involvedeveloping more a more rigorous calculation of the microlensing optical depth, as well asinvestigating the potential for FFP mass measurements given the technology of the respectivetelescopes.