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Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer: a low-complexity low-cost space mission for high-resolution astronomy and direct exoplanet detection
- Publication Year :
- 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 mid-infrared 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
- Database :
- OAIster
- Notes :
- application/pdf, Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer: a low-complexity low-cost space mission for high-resolution astronomy and direct exoplanet detection, English
- Publication Type :
- Electronic Resource
- Accession number :
- edsoai.on1080552337
- Document Type :
- Electronic Resource