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Active Control for Michelson Stellar Interferometers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 August 2016

John W. Hardy
Affiliation:
Itex Corporation, Optical Systems Division, Lexington, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Edward P. Wallner
Affiliation:
Itex Corporation, Optical Systems Division, Lexington, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Abstract

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The effects of atmospheric turbulence on the image structure in a ground based Michelson Stellar Interferometer are analyzed. A complete system requires compensation both for the wavefront distortions over the collecting apertures and for path length differences between them. Wavefront sensing and compensation have been previously described and analyzed. In this paper, a method of path length compensation and estimation of the mutual coherence function of the source is developed using matched filters in multiple spectral bands. A practical implementation of the resulting system is described and estimates of its performance given.

Type
The Scientific Programme
Copyright
Copyright © 1979

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