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An introduction to interferometry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2003

C. Haniff*
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OHE, UK;
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Abstract

In this paper I provide a brief introduction to astronomical interferometry at optical and infrared wavelengths. Two key concepts, central to understanding the basis and practice of interferometry are introduced: image formation with conventional telescopes, in particular the Fourier decomposition of images, and the nature and utility of measurements of the coherence function or mutual intensity. Thereafter I focus on optical/infrared interferometry, outlining how measurements of the coherence function are made at these wavelengths, how they can be used to interpret a source's structure, and what the principles of interferometric imaging tell us about the limitations expected for the current generation of arrays such as the VLTI.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2003

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