The MIRC-X 6-telescope imager: key science drivers, instrument design and operation

Stefan Kraus; John D. Monnier; Narsireddy Anugu; Jean-Baptiste Le Bouquin; Claire L. Davies; Jacob Ennis; Aaron Labdon; Cyprien Lanthermann; Benjamin Setterholm; Theo ten Brummelaar

doi:10.1117/12.2311706

9 July 2018 The MIRC-X 6-telescope imager: key science drivers, instrument design and operation

Stefan Kraus, John D. Monnier, Narsireddy Anugu, Jean-Baptiste Le Bouquin, Claire L. Davies, Jacob Ennis, Aaron Labdon, Cyprien Lanthermann, Benjamin Setterholm, Theo ten Brummelaar

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 10701, Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VI; 1070123 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2311706
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, Austin, Texas, United States

Abstract

MIRC-X is a new beam combination instrument at the CHARA array that enables 6-telescope interferometric imaging on object classes that until now have been out of reach for milliarcsecond-resolution imaging. As part of an instrumentation effort lead by the University of Exeter and University of Michigan, we equipped the MIRC instrument with an ultra-low read-noise detector system and extended the wavelength range to the J and H- band. The first phase of the MIRC-X commissioning was successfully completed in June 2017. In 2018 we will commission polarisation control to improve the visibility calibration and implement a 'cross-talk resiliant' mode that will minimise visibility cross-talk and enable exoplanet searches using precision closure phases. Here we outline our key science drivers and give an overview about our commissioning timeline. We comment on operational aspects, such as remote observing, and the prospects of co-phased parallel operations with the upcoming MYSTIC combiner.

Conference Presentation

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Stefan Kraus, John D. Monnier, Narsireddy Anugu, Jean-Baptiste Le Bouquin, Claire L. Davies, Jacob Ennis, Aaron Labdon, Cyprien Lanthermann, Benjamin Setterholm, and Theo ten Brummelaar "The MIRC-X 6-telescope imager: key science drivers, instrument design and operation", Proc. SPIE 10701, Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VI, 1070123 (9 July 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2311706

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