Results of prototypes of a 'quantum' photometer for the E-ELT  

Cesare Barbieri, Dept. of Astronomy, University of Padova


Following the Quanteye study for a "quantum" photometer for the ESO
100m OWL (Dravins et al., 2005), we have built two prototypes, one for
the Asiago-Cima Ekar 182cm Copernicus telescope, and one for the ESO
3.5m NTT in La Silla. Both photometers work on a "split-pupil"
concept, and employ single photon avalanche photodiodes operated in
Geiger mode. Several runs at Asiago and three runs at the NTT have
demonstrated the excellent performances, very high dynamic range and
reliability of both instruments.

After a brief description of the photometers, results on a variety of
objects, from exo-planet transits to optical pulsars, will be
presented.

Finally, possible future developments for the VLTs and the E-ELT will
be discussed.