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Accurately computing the optical pathlength difference for a michelson interferometer with minimal knowledge of the
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91109, USA.
Summary
Precise astrometric measurements require accurate pathlength delay determination. This study introduces a novel method to simultaneously estimate pathlength delay and spectrum, simplifying calculations for improved stellar interferometry accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Optical Interferometry
Background:
- Astrometric measurements using stellar interferometry depend on precise optical pathlength difference detection.
- Standard methods use channeled spectra, but low throughput broadens channels, complicating phase extraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust method for accurate pathlength delay and spectrum estimation in stellar interferometry.
- To overcome limitations of monochromatic models when dealing with broadened spectral channels.
Main Methods:
- An optimization problem is formulated to simultaneously estimate pathlength delay and the source spectrum.
- A novel parameterization of the spectrum simplifies the problem, reducing it to a scalar optimization for pathlength delay.
Main Results:
- The proposed method demonstrates robustness in astrometric measurements.
- Accurate pathlength delay and spectrum estimation is achieved even with broadened spectral channels.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating spectral knowledge is crucial for high-accuracy astrometric measurements.
- The developed optimization approach offers a more reliable way to determine pathlength delay in stellar interferometry.