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Published October 20, 2004 | Published
Book Section - Chapter Open

Michigan Infrared Combiner (MIRC): IR imaging with the CHARA Array

Abstract

We present the design of the Michigan Infra-Red Combiner (MIRC). MIRC is planned for deployment at the Georgia State University CHARA array to simultaneously combine all six telescope beams in an image-plane combiner. The novel design incorporates spatial-filtering with single-mode fiber optics, a synthetic (densified) pupil, and a low-resolution spectrometer to allow good calibration and efficient aperture synthesis imaging in the near-infrared. In addition, the focalization and spectrometer optics can accommodate an integrated optics component with minimal re-alignment. The MIRC concept can be scaled-up for interferometer arrays with more telescopes.

Additional Information

© 2004 Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). This design concept is the result of conversations with many interferoinetrists, and the authors have appreciated their input. We have tried to take advantage of lessons learned in the fabrication and use of recent con1biners, in particular from NPOI, COAST, AMBER (VLTI) and FATCAT (Keck Interferometer). We specially thank G. Vasisht and G. Perrin for specific help with regard to IR camera and fiber issues. We also acknowledge the important help of Ettore Pedretti, who has been working on the PICNIC camera development during his Michelson Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Michigan. Lastly, we acknowledge the State of George, the National Science Foundation, the W. M. Keck Foundation, and the Lucille and David Packard Foundation for funding the construction of the CHARA array; array operations are being supported by Georgia State University and NSF-AST 0307562.

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