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The Sydney University Stellar Interferometer: A Major Upgrade to Spectral Coverage and Performance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2013

J. Davis ,
M. J. Ireland ,
J. Chow ,
A. P. Jacob ,
R. E. Lucas ,
J. R. North ,
J. W. O'Byrne ,
S. M. Owens ,
J. G. Robertson  and
E. B. Seneta
...Show all authors
J. Davis*
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
M. J. Ireland
Affiliation:
Planetary Science, MS 150-21, Caltech, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
J. Chow
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
A. P. Jacob
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
R. E. Lucas
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
J. R. North
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
J. W. O'Byrne
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
S. M. Owens
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
J. G. Robertson
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
E. B. Seneta
Affiliation:
Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
W. J. Tango
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
P. G. Tuthill
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
*
DCorresponding author. Email: j.davis@physics.usyd.edu.au
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Abstract

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A new beam-combination and detection system has been installed in the Sydney University Stellar Interferometer working at the red end of the visual spectrum (λλ 500–950 nm) to complement the existing blue-sensitive system (λλ 430–520 nm) and to provide an increase in sensitivity. Dichroic beam-splitters have been introduced to allow simultaneous observations with both spectral systems, albeit with some restriction on the spectral range of the longer wavelength system (λλ 550–760 nm). The blue system has been upgraded to allow remote selection of wavelength and spectral bandpass, and to enable simultaneous operation with the red system with the latter providing fringe-envelope tracking. The new system and upgrades are described and examples of commissioning tests presented. As an illustration of the improvement in performance the measurement of the angular diameter of the southern F supergiant δ CMa is described and compared with previous determinations.

Keywords

instrumentation: interferometerstechniques: interferometricstars: individual (δ CMa)
Type
Research Article
Information
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , 2007 , pp. 138 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 2007

References

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