In-Lab High Resolution Mid-infrared Up-conversion Stellar Interferometer Based on Synthetic Long Base-Line

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a laboratory mid-infrared interferometer using synthetic long baselines, achieving high angular resolution and paving the way for advanced astronomical observations with MIR light.

Contribution

It introduces a novel MIR up-conversion interferometer with synthetic long baselines, improving resolution and system reliability for astronomical applications.

Findings

Achieved single target angle resolution of 1.10×10^(-4) rad

Obtained field angle resolution of 3.0×10^(-4) rad for double star targets

Simulated baseline length of about 3cm, comparable to 85m in real telescopes

Abstract

Detecting mid-infrared (MIR) radiation has significant astronomical applications, although limited by unsatisfactory MIR detectors. Here we reported on the realization of a MIR up-conversion interferometer based on synthetic long base-line (SLBL) in the laboratory. The experimental system consisted of an interferometer and subsequent up-conversion detection part of mid-infrared signal, which streamlined the structure and enhanced the reliability of the system. By using a tungsten filament lamp as an imitated star, we not only achieved the single target angle resolution of 1.10 times 10^(-4) rad, but also obtained the field angle resolution of 3.0 times 10^(-4) rad of double star targets. The angular resolution is in inverse proportion to the length of baseline. The maximum length of simulated baseline in the laboratory is about 3cm. In a Keck Interferometer (KI) liked program, the base line can reach up to 85m leading to a corresponding angular resolution of 3.0 times 10^(-9) rad (about 1.8mas). The study will offer potential benefits in extending the usage of mid-infrared light in astronomical exploration.