论文标题
MIRC-X:一个高度敏感的六望远镜干涉图像仪在Chara阵列
MIRC-X: a highly-sensitive six telescope interferometric imager at the CHARA Array
论文作者
论文摘要
MIRC-X(密歇根州红外的组合剂)是一种新的高度敏感的六型距离干涉成像仪,该成像器安装在Chara Array上,在J和H Band band band band beanpemengts($ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \tfracλ{2b} $ sim0.6 $ milli-arc)中提供了高达330 m直径的基线望远镜的角度分辨率。我们升级了原始的MIRC(密歇根州红外组合制剂)仪器,以提高两个阶段的灵敏度和波长覆盖率。首先,安装了基于Saphira探测器的革命性子电子噪声和快速速率率C-RED摄像机。其次,设计并委托新一代束组合器(i)最大化灵敏度,(ii)将波长覆盖范围扩展到J波段,(iii)启用极化观测值。低延迟和快速速率控制软件可以为Chara Array即将推出的仪器进行高效率观测和附带跟踪。自2017年中以来,MIRC-X已提供给社区,并显示出最佳的H波段灵敏度,低至8.2相关幅度。 MIRC-X使用单模纤维同时将六个望远镜的光线与图像平面组合方案同时结合在一起,并提供比1%更好的可见度精度,并且闭合相位的精度优于$ 1^\ circ $。 MIRC-X的目的是(I)成像原星盘,(ii)以精确的天体测量检测外部球星,以及(iii)成像恒星表面和恒星斑点和恒星斑点,以近帧的前所未有的角度分辨率。在本文中,我们介绍了仪器设计,安装,操作和天上的结果,并演示了MIRC-X在二进制系统上的成像和星体能力。本文的目的是为基于MIRC-X数据的研究提供可靠的参考,并激发光学干涉仪中未来的工具。
MIRC-X (Michigan InfraRed Combiner-eXeter) is a new highly-sensitive six-telescope interferometric imager installed at the CHARA Array that provides an angular resolution equivalent of up to a 330 m diameter baseline telescope in J and H band wavelengths ($\tfracλ{2B}\sim0.6$ milli-arcseconds). We upgraded the original MIRC (Michigan InfraRed Combiner) instrument to improve sensitivity and wavelength coverage in two phases. First, a revolutionary sub-electron noise and fast-frame rate C-RED ONE camera based on a SAPHIRA detector was installed. Second, a new-generation beam combiner was designed and commissioned to (i) maximize sensitivity, (ii) extend the wavelength coverage to J-band, and (iii) enable polarization observations. A low-latency and fast-frame rate control software enables high-efficiency observations and fringe tracking for the forthcoming instruments at CHARA Array. Since mid-2017, MIRC-X has been offered to the community and has demonstrated best-case H-band sensitivity down to 8.2 correlated magnitude. MIRC-X uses single-mode fibers to coherently combine light of six telescopes simultaneously with an image-plane combination scheme and delivers a visibility precision better than 1%, and closure phase precision better than $1^\circ$. MIRC-X aims at (i) imaging protoplanetary disks, (ii) detecting exoplanets with precise astrometry, and (iii) imaging stellar surfaces and star-spots at an unprecedented angular resolution in the near-infrared. In this paper, we present the instrument design, installation, operation, and on-sky results, and demonstrate the imaging and astrometric capability of MIRC-X on the binary system $ι$ Peg. The purpose of this paper is to provide a solid reference for studies based on MIRC-X data and to inspire future instruments in optical interferometry.