Optimization of the preparation and analysis of interferometric observations in the infrared of circumstellar disks

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The goal of this project is to optimize long-baseline interferometric observations of circumstellar disks in the infrared wavelength range.The next generation of long-baseline infrared interferometers will allow one to reconstruct images of a broad range of astrophysical objects, instead of the very few, still rather experimental studies existing today. However, a very detailed preparation of these observations will be necessary to constrain the brightness distribution in such detail that specific science cases can be addressed.In this project we will focus on MATISSE, a second generation beam combiner at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer. MATISSE will allow one to combine up to 4 telescopes and thus, for example, to reconstruct images of the mid-infrared reemission radiation from the potential planet-forming region in circumstellar disks.In particular, we willa) Investigate the optimum observing strategy for addressing key questions related to the evolution of circumstellar disks around young stars and the process of planet formation in their innermost regions,b) Investigate and optimize selected techniques for image reconstruction,c) Evaluate the potential of model fitting based on the direct measures (visibilities, closure phases) as compared to image reconstruction (i.e., model-independent images),d) Evaluate the need for / potential of complementary observations, obtained at other wavelength ranges and/or angular resolution in order to better constrain conclusions derived from interferometric observations in the infrared alone, ande) Apply the results of these studies in the analysis of real data which will become available during the last (third) year of the proposed project.The choice of a specific instrument (MATISSE) and class of objects (circumstellar disks) will allow us to stay focused on realistic scenarios on the forefront of scientific problems addressed with infrared long-baseline interferometry. At the same time, however, the results to be obtained will in many cases be of very general nature and thus have an impact on the near-future long-baseline interferometry in a broad field of astrophysical object classes.