Beam Combination and Fringe Measurement

Wesley A. Traub (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory)

Abstract:

I will provide numerous examples of conceptual and practical mathematical techniques for computing the fringe visibilities from wavefronts which have been produced by various types of astrophysical sources and distorted by a number of real-life perturbers. The purpose of the talk will be to give the student confidence in making such calculations by one's self, and to show how and why the effects of wavefront perturbations can be compensated by calibration of visibility data.

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Suggested Reading:

• Principles of Long Baseline Stellar Interferometry, P. R. Lawson, ed.
  Chapter 3, "Beam Combination and Fringe Measurement" by W.A. Traub
  (Jet Propulsion Laboratory: 1999).