Modernizing Michelson's Stellar Interferometer

R. Hanbury Brown

doi:10.1117/12.932096

30 December 1981 Modernizing Michelson's Stellar Interferometer

R. Hanbury Brown

Proceedings Volume 0288, Los Alamos Conf on Optics '81; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932096
Event: Los Alamos Conference on Optics, 1981, Los Alamos, United States

Abstract

Since the completion of the program of stellar angular diameter measurements with the Narrabri intensity interferometer, the Chatterton Astronomy Department of the University of Sydney has been engaged in an investigation to determine the type of interferometer best suited for future high angular resolution studies. As part of this investigation the Department is currently exploring the feasibility of building a Michelson stellar interferometer using modern techniques and detectors to surmount the atmospheric and stability problems that limited the development of the original Michelson interferometers. The main part of this program is the design and construction of an 11 m fixed baseline prototype instrument to establish whether fringe visibility can be measured with an accuracy of better than ± 2% over a range of atmospheric seeing conditions and instrumental parameters. The design of the prototype instrument, its status, and prospects are described.

Citation Download Citation

R. Hanbury Brown "Modernizing Michelson's Stellar Interferometer", Proc. SPIE 0288, Los Alamos Conf on Optics '81, (30 December 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932096

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