The Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI): An Update

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA587430 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Navy Precision Optical Interferometer NPOI has two purposes wide angle precise astrometry and high-resolution imaging, both at visible wavelengths. It operates with up to six 12-cm diameter apertures simultaneously, with baseline lengths distances between array elements from 16 m to 79 m and disperses the combined light into 16 spectral channels. It has been operational since first fringes were found in 1994 six-beam operations began in 2001. The NPOI is undergoing upgrades in numerous areas control system and data acquisition improvements, a second beam combiner, additional array stations for both longer and shorter baselines, and supplemental delay lines to improve sky coverage for the longer baselines. Future possibilities include the installation of four fixed 1.8 telescopes as well as up to six moveable lightweight 1.4 m telescopes. Observing programs, including programs led by outside investigators, cover a broad range of stellar astrophysics as well as observations of geostationary satellites.

Author(s):
Armstrong, J. T. ; Hutter, D. J. ; Baines, E. K. ; Benson, J. A. ; Bevilacqua, R. M. ; Buschmann, T. ; Clark, Iii, J. H. ; Ghasempour, A. ; Hall, J. C. ; Hindsley, R. B.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC REMOTE SENSING DIV
Descriptive Note:
Journal article
Supplementary Note:
Published in the Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation, 2013. The original document contains color images. Prepared in collaboration with US Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, AZ. Prepared in cooperation with Arizona Embedded Systems LLC, Flagstaff, the Optical Spectroscopy Division, HORIBA Scientific, Edison, NJ, the Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ, the Electrical Engineering Department, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, Seabrook Engineering, Seabrook, MD, the Center of Excellence in Information Systems and Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Engineering, Tennessee State University, Nashville, and the Department of Physics, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant. Sponsored in part by the Oceanographer of the Navy.
Pagination:
0010

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
ONR
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_2.2.2_Imagery Collection; JCA_2.2_Collection; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_5_Command and Control
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*OPTICAL INTERFEROMETERS, APERTURES, ARRAYS, DELAY LINES, HIGH RESOLUTION, OPTICAL IMAGES, TELESCOPES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Optics
Keyword(s):
NPOI(NAVY PRECISION OPTICAL INTERFEROMETER), WIDE ANGLE PRECISE ASTROMETRY, BEAM COMBINERS
Report Date:
2013 Jan 01
Creation Date:
2013 Nov 18