High resolution Michelson interferometer for airborne infrared astronomical observations. I - Concept and performance

Baluteau, J. P.; Anderegg, M.; Moorwood, A. F. M.; Beckman, J. E.; Coron, N.; Bussoletti, E.; Hippelein, H. H.
Referencia bibliográfica

Applied Optics, vol. 16, July 1977, p. 1834-1840.

Fecha de publicación:
7
1977
Revista
Número de autores
7
Número de autores del IAC
0
Número de citas
15
Número de citas referidas
15
Descripción
A Michelson interferometer has been built for use with the 91-cm telescope on NASA's Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory primarily to measure IR line emission from H II regions. Operation is in the rapid scan mode, and the achievable resolution is 0.02/cm in the wavelength range from 10 to around 300 microns. A minicomputer is used to provide on-line spectrum displays and to control and monitor the instrument performance. The design and use of the instrument is discussed, and a comparison is made between the theoretical performance and that actually achieved on the first flights when measurements of line emission from the Orion nebula and from the atmosphere were made.