The Infrared Optical Telescope Array: Project Update

Details The Infrared Optical Telescope Array: Project Update The Infrared Optical Telescope Array: Project Update

May 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992aas...180.0912l&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, 180th AAS Meeting, #09.12; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 24, p.742

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard University, University of Massachusets-Amherst, University of Wyoming and MIT Lincoln Laboratory are collaborating to construct and operate an Infrared Optical Telescope Array (IOTA) at the Smithsonian's Fred L. Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins south of Tucson, AZ. The array will consist of 3 light collector assemblies each with apertures of 0.45 meter diameter on baselines of 5 to 38 meters. The array will operate in the optical (0.45microns to 0.75microns) and in the infrared (1.25microns to 2.2microns) as a Michelson interferometer. We present some of the design considerations which have led us to the current configuration of this instrument. We examine the current status of the fabrication and testing of varioussystems. We discuss some of the scientific targets which this instrument will uniquely be suited to investigate. Early investigations will focus on diameters of single stars and on orbital parameters for binary star systems. Of particular interest is the investigation of the diameter as a function of time and wavelength for radially pulsating stars such as Cepheids. In later investigations, we will investigate objects with more complex geometries such as multiple-star systems and disks around stars. We hope eventually to investigate the structure in the cores of the brightest active galactic nuclei. The construction phase of the project is nearing completion. The central building and the array-station foundations are under construction on Mt. Hopkins. The light collector assemblies are complete and being tested in Cambridge.Two elements of the array should see first light later this year.

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