Imaging and Modeling of Binaries With NPOI
Abstract
The Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer is operational with three baselines of up to 38 meters, which can be combined to form a closure phase usable for obtaining images. Work is well underway to extend the baseline lengths to a maximum of 437 meters, as well as to implement a 6-way beam combiner which will enable the simultaneous operation of 15 baselines. Since NPOI records data over a wavelength range of 500 nm to 850 nm, the coverage obtained with Earth-rotation aperture synthesis rivals the aperture coverage of narrow-band multi-station radio interferometers. In order to investigate the technique of obtaining images from NPOI data, we present actual imaging results, as well as images from simulated NPOI observations of stellar surfaces and multiple stellar systems. We discuss issues including the wavelength dependence of stellar structure, as well as their variability during the observations. We also point out fundamental differences to the imaging of radio data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA600301
Entities
People
- C. A. Hummel
Organizations
- United States Naval Observatory