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The Sydney University Stellar Interferometer: A Major Upgrade to Spectral Coverage and Performance
J.
Davis A D,
M. J.
Ireland B,
J.
Chow A,
A. P.
Jacob A,
R. E.
Lucas A,
J. R.
North A,
J. W.
O'Byrne A,
S. M.
Owens A,
J. G.
Robertson A,
E. B.
Seneta C,
W. J.
Tango A,
P. G.
Tuthill A
A
School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
B
Planetary Science, MS 150-21, Caltech, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
C
Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
D
Corresponding author. Email: j.davis@physics.usyd.edu.au
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Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia 24(3) 138–150 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AS07016
Submitted: 17 May 2007
Accepted: 31 August 2007
Published online: 25 October 2007
Abstract
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: interferometers — techniques: interferometric — stars: individual (δ CMa)
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