MIRC-X: A Highly Sensitive Six-telescope Interferometric Imager at the CHARA Array
MIRC-X: A Highly Sensitive Six-telescope Interferometric Imager at the CHARA Array
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DOI：
10.3847/1538-3881/aba957
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发表时间：
2020-10-01
影响因子：
5.3
通讯作者：
Sturmann, Judit
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Anugu, Narsireddy;Le Bouquin, Jean-Baptiste;Sturmann, Judit
密歇根红外综合-埃克塞特（MIRC-X）是一种安装在CHARA阵列上的新型高灵敏度六望远镜干涉成像仪，在J和h波段波长（lambda/2B 0.6 mas）提供相当于330米直径基线望远镜的角分辨率。我们分两个阶段升级了原来的Michigan InfraRed Combiner （MIRC）仪器，以提高灵敏度和波长覆盖范围。首先，安装了基于SAPHIRA探测器的革命性亚电子噪声和快速帧率C-RED ONE相机。其次，设计并调试了新一代波束合并器，以实现(i)最大化灵敏度，（ii）将波长覆盖范围扩展到j波段，（iii）实现偏振观测。低延迟和快速帧率控制软件为CHARA阵列即将问世的仪器提供高效观测和条纹跟踪。自2017年年中以来，MIRC-X已被提供给社区，并已显示出最佳的现金波段灵敏度，低至8.2相关量级。MIRC-X使用单模光纤，通过像面组合方案将6台望远镜的光同时相干组合，可见精度优于1%，闭合相位精度优于1度。MIRC-X的目标是(i)成像原行星盘，（ii）用精确的天体测量探测系外行星，（iii）以前所未有的近红外角分辨率成像恒星表面和星斑。在本文中，我们介绍了仪器的设计、安装、操作和天空结果，并展示了MIRC-X在双星系统iota Peg上的成像能力。本文的目的是为基于MIRC-X数据的研究提供坚实的参考，并对未来光学干涉测量仪器的发展提供启发。
Michigan InfraRed Combiner-eXeter (MIRC-X) is a new highly sensitive six-telescope interferometric imager installed at the CHARA Array that provides an angular resolution equivalent of up to a 330 m diameter baseline telescope in J- and H-band wavelengths (lambda/2B 0.6 mas). We upgraded the original Michigan InfraRed Combiner (MIRC) instrument to improve sensitivity and wavelength coverage in two phases. First, a revolutionary sub-electron noise and fast-frame-rate C-RED ONE camera based on an SAPHIRA detector was installed. Second, a new-generation beam combiner was designed and commissioned to (i) maximize sensitivity, (ii) extend the wavelength coverage toJband, and (iii) enable polarization observations. A low-latency and fast-frame-rate control software enables high-efficiency observations and fringe tracking for the forthcoming instruments of the CHARA Array. Since mid-2017, MIRC-X has been offered to the community and has demonstrated best-caseH-band sensitivity down to 8.2 correlated magnitude. MIRC-X uses single-mode fibers to coherently combine the light from six telescopes simultaneously with an image-plane combination scheme and delivers a visibility precision better than 1%, and closure phase precision better than 1 degrees. MIRC-X aims at (i) imaging protoplanetary disks, (ii) detecting exoplanets with precise astrometry, and (iii) imaging stellar surfaces and starspots at an unprecedented angular resolution in the near-infrared. In this paper, we present the instrument design, installation, operation, and on-sky results, and demonstrate the imaging capability of MIRC-X on the binary system iota Peg. The purpose of this paper is to provide a solid reference for studies based on MIRC-X data and to inspire future instruments in optical interferometry.