Optical Long-Baseline Interferometry: Concept, Implementation, Calibration, and Applicationin Astronomy

In the quest to look ever closer at astronomicalobjects, optical long-baseline interferometry hasbecome a standard tool for astronomers. It canachieve spatial resolutions exceeding that of eventhe largest telescope. Offered at major observatorieswhere interferometric instruments provide highspatial resolution often combined with spectralinformation, optical long-baseline interferometryallows for the detailed study of astronomical objectsand processes in their environment. The author PeterA. Schuller introduces the basic concepts of opticallong-baseline interferometry and uses the example ofa particular instrument to illustrate various aspectsin the development and the operation of anastronomical interferometer. Focus is put on thecalibration of the instrument both in the laboratoryand during observations. The potential ofastronomical interferometry is highlighted by a studyin which interferometric data is used to constraincomputer models of astronomical objects. This book isaimed at readers with some background in science andengineering seeking a brief introduction to opticallong-baseline interferometry in concept,implementation and application.