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The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer a Low Complexity, Low Cost Space Mission for High-Resolution Astronomy and Direct Exoplanet Detection

Authors :
Barry, R. K
Danchi, W. C
Deming, L. D
Richardson, L. J
Kuchner, M. J
Seager, S
Frey, B. J
Martino, A. J
Lee, K. A
Zuray, M
Rajagopal, J
Hyde, T. T
Millan-Gabet, R
Monnier, J. D
Allen, R. J
Traub, W. A
Publication Year :
2006
Publisher :
United States: NASA Center for Aerospace Information (CASI), 2006.

Abstract

The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI) is a mission concept for a spacecraft-borne nulling interferometer for high-resolution astronomy and the direct detection of exoplanets and assay of their environments and atmospheres. FKSI is a high angular resolution system operating in the near to midinfrared spectral region and is a scientific and technological pathfinder to the Darwin and Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) missions. The instrument is configured with an optical system consisting, depending on configuration, of two 0.5 - 1.0 m telescopes on a 12.5 - 20 m boom feeding a symmetric, dual Mach- Zehnder beam combiner. We report on progress on our nulling testbed including the design of an optical pathlength null-tracking control system and development of a testing regime for hollow-core fiber waveguides proposed for use in wavefront cleanup. We also report results of integrated simulation studies of the planet detection performance of FKSI and results from an in-depth control system and residual optical pathlength jitter analysis.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
NASA Technical Reports
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsnas.20080039325
Document Type :
Report