The Carlina-type diluted telescope Stellar fringes on Deneb

• Published in: Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) Vol. 573; p. A117
• Main Authors: Le Coroller, H, Dejonghe, J, Hespeels, F, Arnold, L, Andersen, T, Deram, P, Ricci, D, Berio, P, Blazit, A, Clausse, J-M, Guillaume, C, Meunier, J P, Regal, X, Sottile, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Architecture; Astronomi, astrofysik och kosmologi; Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology; Astrophysics; Blinds; Dilution; Fysik; Grounds; instrumentation; instrumentation: high angular resolution; Interferometers; Meters; Natural Sciences; Naturvetenskap; Physical Sciences; Physics; Planet formation; Telescopes
• ISSN: 0004-6361; 1432-0746; 1432-0756
• DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201424623

The performance of interferometers has been much increased over the past ten years. Studies have been conducted with the aim to propose a new generation of interferometers. The Carlina concept studied at the Haute-Provence Observatory consists of an optical interferometer configured as a diluted version of the Arecibo radio telescope. Since 2003, we have been building a technical demonstrator of this diluted telescope. The main goals of this project were to find opto-mechanical solutions to stabilize the optics attached to cables at several tens of meters above the ground, and to characterize this diluted telescope under real conditions. By detecting fringes on Deneb, we confirm that the entire system conceptually has worked correctly. It also proves that when the primary mirrors are aligned using the metrology system, we can directly record fringes in the focal gondola, even in blind operation. Its optical architecture has many advantages for future projects: Planet Formation Imager (PFI), post-ELTs, interferometer in space.