The O₂ A-Band in the Fluxes and Polarization of Starlight Reflected by Earth-Like Exoplanets

Earth-like, potentially habitable exoplanets are prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life. Information about their atmospheres and surfaces can be derived by analyzing the light of the parent star reflected by the planet. We investigate the influence of the surface albedo A _s, the optical thickness b _cloud,...