Teaching stellar interferometry with highly multimode optical fibers.

M. A. Illarramendi; J. Zubia; J. Barata; J. Grandes; E. Arrospide

doi:10.1117/12.3023363

20 June 2024 Teaching stellar interferometry with highly multimode optical fibers.

M. A. Illarramendi, J. Zubia, J. Barata, J. Grandes, E. Arrospide

Proceedings Volume PC13001, Specialty Optical Fibres VIII; PC130010D (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3023363
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2024, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

This study discusses the design of three straightforward experiments replicating the Michelson stellar interferometer's operation. Stellar sources' emissions are simulated using light from circular end-faces of step-index polymer optical fibers, enabling the simulation of both single and double stars. As light passes through two identical pinholes on a lid covering a telescope's objective, interference fringes are generated. A digital camera, coupled to a telescope with a variable double aperture lid, captures interference fringes. By measuring fringe visibilities, simulated star diameters and separations are estimated with errors below 18%. The setup enables determining the size of extended sources located approximately 75 meters from the telescope. Additionally, the experiment explores spectral variations in fringe visibilities to extract information about the geometry of different stellar sources or components. These experiments are tailored for postgraduate students, offering an opportunity to delve into light coherence theory and gain practical experience in optical stellar interferometry, specifically utilizing plastic optical fibers or any other highly multimode fiber.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

M. A. Illarramendi, J. Zubia, J. Barata, J. Grandes, and E. Arrospide "Teaching stellar interferometry with highly multimode optical fibers.", Proc. SPIE PC13001, Specialty Optical Fibres VIII, PC130010D (20 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3023363

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