Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002aas...20115109d&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society Meeting 201, #151.09; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 35, p.577
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI) is a mission concept for an imaging and nulling interferometer for the mid-infrared spectral region (5-30 microns). FKSI is conceived as a scientific and technological precursor to TPF as well as SPIRIT, SPECS, and SAFIR. It will also be a high angular resolution system complementary to NGST. 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 also search for brown dwarfs and Jupiter mass and smaller planets, and could also play a very powerful role in the investigation of the structure of active galactic nuclei and extra-galactic star formation.
We have been studying alternative interferometer architectures and beam combination techniques, and evaluating the relevant science and technology tradeoffs. Some of the technical challenges include the development of the cryocooler systems necessary for the telescopes and focal plane array, light and stiff but well-damped truss systems to support the telescopes, and lightweight and coolable optical telescopes.
We present preliminary results of detailed design studies of the FKSI starting with a design consisting of five one meter diameter telescopes arranged along a truss structure in a linear non-redundant array, cooled to 35 K. A maximum baseline of 20 meters gives a nominal resolution of 26 mas at 5 microns. Using a Fizeau beam combination technique, a simple focal plane camera could be used to obtain both Fourier and spectral data simultaneously for a given orientation of the array. The spacecraft will be rotated to give sufficient Fourier data to reconstruct complex images of a broad range of astrophysical sources. Alternative and simpler three and two telescope designs also have been investigated and will be discussed.
This project has been supported through the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Internal Research and Development Program.
Allen Reeshemah
Benford Dominic
Danchi William
Deming Drake
Gezari Dan
No associations
LandOfFree
The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer Mission Concept: A Mid-Infrared TPF Pre-cursor Mission Concept does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer Mission Concept: A Mid-Infrared TPF Pre-cursor Mission Concept, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer Mission Concept: A Mid-Infrared TPF Pre-cursor Mission Concept will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1891665