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

The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer: a practical interferometer for the detection and characterization of extrasolar giant planets

Abstract

The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI) is a mission concept for a nulling interferometer for the near-to-mid-infrared spectral region (3-8µm). FKSI is conceived as a scientific and technological precursor to TPF. The scientific emphasis of the mission is on the evolution of protostellar systems, from just after the collapse of the precursor molecular cloud core, through the formation of the disk surrounding the protostar, the formation of planets in the disk, and eventual dispersal of the disk material. FKSI will answer key questions about extrasolar planets: Σ What are the characteristics of the known extrasolar giant planets? Σ What are the characteristics of the extrasolar zodiacal clouds around nearby stars? Σ Are there giant planets around classes of stars other than those already studied? We present preliminary results of a detailed design study of the FKSI. Using a nulling interferometer configuration, the optical system consists of two 0.5m telescopes on a 12.5m boom feeding a Mach-Zender beam combiner with a fiber wavefront error reducer to produce a 0.01% null of the central starlight. With this system, planets around nearby stars can be detected and characterized using a combination of spectral and spatial resolution.

Additional Information

© 2004 Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers. Our research and development of a practical infrared imaging and nulling space interferometer has been supported by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Internal Research and Development Funds. We thank our senior management Al Diaz, Jonathan Ormes, and Mike Ryschkewitsch for their continued support of our work. Our design team has been instrumental in the development of the mission concept, particularly team leads, George Andrew, Charles Baker, Jeff Bolognese, Rob Boyle, Gary Brown, Jason Budinoff, Julie Crooke, Bill Cutlip, Dave DiPietro, Rodger Farley, Jose Florez, Lou Hallock, Claef Hakun, Joe Howard, Tupper Hyde, Cliff Jackson, Del Jenstrom, Javier Lecha, Steve Mann, Tony Martino, Joe Pellicciotti, Tim Sauerwein, Carl Stahle, Dave Steinfeld, Lauri Via, and Mark Wilson.

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