The Big Fringe Telescope

TL;DR

The Big Fringe Telescope aims to develop a cost-effective, automated kilometer-scale optical interferometer to enable routine high-resolution imaging of bright main sequence stars, expanding current observational capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a modern, low-cost design for a large-scale optical interferometer using commercial off-the-shelf components and automation, addressing limitations of existing facilities.

Findings

Design concept for a cost-effective, automated interferometer.

Potential for routine high-resolution imaging of bright stars.

Reduction in operational costs compared to existing facilities.

Abstract

The Big Fringe Telescope (BFT) is a facility concept under development for a next-generation, kilometer-scale optical interferometer. Observations over the past two decades from routinely operational facilities such as CHARA and VLTI have produced groundbreaking scientific results, reflecting the mature state of the techniques in optical interferometry. However, routine imaging of bright main sequence stars remains a surprisingly unexplored scientific realm. Additionally, the three-plus decade old technology infrastructure of these facilities leads to high operations \& maintenance costs, and limits performance. We are developing the BFT, based upon robust, modern, commercially-available, automated technologies with low capital construction and O\&M costs, in support of kilometer-scale optical interferometers that will open the door to regular `snapshot' imaging of main sequence stars. Focusing on extreme angular resolution for bright objects leads to substantial reductions in expected costs through use of COTS elements and simplified infrastructure.