A Demonstration of Spectral and Spatial Interferometry at THz Frequencies

TL;DR

This paper presents a laboratory prototype of a spectral/spatial interferometer operating at THz frequencies, demonstrating the feasibility of the double Fourier technique for future astronomical Far Infrared interferometry.

Contribution

It introduces a novel demonstrator system for THz interferometry, validating key technologies and data processing methods for future FIR astronomical instruments.

Findings

Successful demonstration of spectral and spatial interferometry at THz frequencies

Analysis of interferometric fringes and image reconstruction capabilities

Validation of design features for future FIR interferometers

Abstract

A laboratory prototype spectral/spatial interferometer has been constructed to demonstrate the feasibility of the double Fourier technique at Far Infrared (FIR) wavelengths (0.15 - 1 THz). It is planned to use this demonstrator to investigate and validate important design features and data processing methods for future astronomical FIR interferometer instruments. In building this prototype we have had to address several key technologies to provide an end-end system demonstration of this double Fourier interferometer. We report on the first results taken when viewing single slit and double slit sources at the focus of a large collimator used to simulate real sources at infinity. The performance of the prototype instrument for these specific field geometries is analyzed to compare with the observed interferometric fringes and to demonstrate image reconstruction capabilities.