On-sky demonstration of dual-field interferometry at the CHARA Array
Narsireddy Anugu, John D. Monnier, Douglas R. Gies, Jeremy Jones, Robert Klement, Stefan Kraus, Rainer Köhler, Karolina Kubiak, Cyprien Lanthermann, Edgar R. Ligon, Denis Mourard, Gail H. Schaefer, Nicholas J. Scott
Abstract
Dual-field interferometry uses a bright reference star for real-time fringe tracking, allowing a second beam combiner to record long coherent integrations on a fainter off-axis science target. At the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array, we implement this mode using the six-telescope MIRC-X and MYSTIC beam combiners in the H and K bands, respectively. We first demonstrated this capability in summer 2025 on the hierarchical triple α~Piscium. MIRC-X tracked component A in the H band, while MYSTIC observed component B in the K band, resolving the 7~mas Ba--Bb subsystem and measuring the relative astrometry of the 1.85~arcsec A--B pair with an uncertainty of 234~μas. Here, we describe subsequent phase-tracking testing, preliminary sensitivity simulations, and planned instrumental upgrades aimed at extending this mode to faint off-axis science targets.
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