Proposal for a temporal version of a hypertelescope
Équipe Photonique – Xlim (CNRS UMR 6172), University of Limoges, 123 avenue Albert Thomas, 87060 Limoges Cedex, France e-mail: francois.reynaud@unilim.fr
Received:
23
May
2006
Accepted:
6
December
2006
Aims.We propose a new version of hypertelescope devoted to high-resolution direct imaging.
Methods.By using a temporal versus spatial optical-path modulation in a multi-aperture interferometer, we show that the beam densification process can be similarly achieved in the time domain giving rise to a good reconfiguration versatility. Reducing the span of optical modulations allows us to convert this instrument into a nulling interferometer.
Results.This new experimental configuration allows an easy and versatile recombination reconfiguration for a ground or space instrument and answers the problem of the variable spatial Fourier spectrum sampling either with a ground-based observation or for a pupil reconfiguration for a space mission.
Key words: techniques: high angular resolution / techniques: interferometric / techniques: image processing
© ESO, 2007