The Conceptual Design of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer

TL;DR

This paper presents the conceptual design and scientific motivation for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer, discussing key technical decisions and implications for future interferometric array designs.

Contribution

It introduces a new imaging interferometer for visible and near-infrared wavelengths, with detailed rationale for its design choices and insights for future array development.

Findings

Successful conceptual design of the interferometer

Key technical decisions justified and discussed

Implications for future interferometric arrays analyzed

Abstract

We describe the scientific motivation for and conceptual design of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer, an imaging interferometer designed to operate at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The rationale for the major technical decisions in the interferometer design is discussed, the success of the concept is appraised, and the implications of this analysis for the design of future arrays are drawn out.