Design of Stellar Interferometers II

Theo ten Brummelaar (Georgia State University)

Abstract:

This talk a follow on from the more theoretical talk given by W.J. Tango and is concerned with the practical elements involved in the construction of an optical/IR Interferometer. Given the basic requirements for obtaining and calibrating fringe visibilities and phases, I will attempt to show how the engineering and system control challenges can be met, with a emphasis on examples drawn from current working Interferometers. Since the scientific and instrumentation drivers are similar it is not surprising to find that many of these devices look the same in many ways. There are, of course, differences in many details, as different design philosophies and scientific agendas are followed. This "cook's tour" of existing Interferometers will, with luck, illustrate some of these similarities and differences.

Besides any of the papers specifically concerned with individual instruments, I would recommend reading the review article by Tango and Twiss (1988), as it contains an excellent summary of the basic requirement specification of an optical Interferometer.

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A note on the use of Summer School material.

Suggested Reading:

• Michelson Stellar Interferometry
  W.J. Tango and R.Q. Twiss
  Progress in Optics 17, 239 (1980).