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An introduction to interferometry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2003

G. Perrin ,
F. Malbet  and
C. Haniff
C. Haniff*
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OHE, UK;
*
[email protected]
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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
Information
European Astronomical Society Publications Series , Volume 6: Observing with the VLTI , 2003 , pp. 3
Copyright
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2003

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