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| Paper: |
The Integrated Optics Near-infrared Interferometric Camera (IONIC) |
| Volume: |
194, Working on the Fringe: Optical and IR Interferometry from Ground and Space |
| Page: |
344 |
| Authors: |
Rousselet-Perraut, K.; Stadler, E.; Feautrier, P.; Le Coarer, E.; Petmezakis, P.; Haguenauer, P.; Kern, P.; Malbet, F.; Berger, J.-P.; Schanen-Duport, I.; Benech, P.; Delage, L. |
| Abstract: |
We present in this paper the IONIC prototype, an Integrated Optics Near-infrared Interferometric Camera, which consists in a single dewar including a planar optics interferometric beam-combiner whose interferometric and photometric outputs are reimaged onto a cooled HgCdTe detector matrix thanks to a relay lens. The very compact and versatile design of this camera allows to combine any number of telescopes: two at the bread-board phase, then three or more for a further instrument dedicated to astronomical observations. The IONIC prototype is currently under integration and tests phase at LAOG. The first observations are foreseen by the end of 1999 on the GI2T Interferometer. An analysis of the main instrumental limitations shows that future developments, especially the use of state of the art low read-out noise detector, would allow to reach limiting magnitudes of 4 to 6 on the GI2T where about hundred stars could then be observed. First prototype limiting magnitudes would be of H = 0-2 on the GI2T, allowing to valid this new beam-combination approach on about 30 stars. Finally some innovating perspectives, such as merging IONIC concept with a STJ detector, are suggested. |
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