Review and scientific prospects of high-contrast optical stellar interferometry

D. Defrère, O. Absil, J. P. Berger, W. C. Danchi, C. Dandumont, F. Eisenhauer, S. Ertel, T. Gardner, A. Glauser, P. Hinz, M. Ireland, J. Kammerer, S. Kraus, L. Labadie, S. Lacour, R. Laugier, J. Loicq, G. Martin, F. Martinache, M. A. MartinodB. Mennesson, J. Monnier, B. Norris, M. Nowak, J. U. Pott, S. P. Quanz, E. Serabyn, J. Stone, P. Tuthill, J. Woillez

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    High-contrast optical stellar interferometry generally refers to instruments able to detect circumstellar emission at least a few hundred times fainter than the host star at high-angular resolution (typically within a few λ/D). While such contrast levels have been enabled by classical modal-filtered interferometric instruments such as VLTI/PIONIER, CHARA/FLUOR, and CHARA/MIRC the development of instruments able to filter out the stellar light has significantly pushed this limit, either by nulling interferometry for on-axis observations (e.g., PFN, LBTI, GLINT) or by off-axis classical interferometry with VLTI/GRAVITY. Achieving such high contrast levels at small angular separation was made possible thanks to significant developments in technology (e.g., adaptive optics, integrated optics), data acquisition (e.g., fringe tracking, phase chopping), and data reduction techniques (e.g., nulling self-calibration). In this paper, we review the current status of high-contrast optical stellar interferometry and present its key scientific results. We then present ongoing activities to improve current ground-based interferometric facilities for high-contrast imaging (e.g., Hi-5/VIKING/BIFROST of the ASGARD instrument suite, GRAVITY+) and the scientific milestones that they would be able to achieve. Finally, we discuss the long-term future of high-contrast stellar interferometry and, in particular, ambitious science cases that would be enabled by space interferometry (e.g., LIFE, space-PFI) and large-scale ground-based projects (PFI).

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationOptical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VII
    EditorsPeter G. Tuthill, Antoine Merand, Stephanie Sallum
    PublisherSPIE
    ISBN (Electronic)9781510636798
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020
    EventOptical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VII 2020 - Virtual, Online, United States
    Duration: 14 Dec 202022 Dec 2020

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
    Volume11446
    ISSN (Print)0277-786X
    ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

    Conference

    ConferenceOptical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VII 2020
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityVirtual, Online
    Period14/12/2022/12/20

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