Speckle interferometry

Abstract

We have presented the basic mathematical treatment of interferometry in the optical domain. Its applications in astronomical observations using both the single aperture, as well as the diluted apertures are described in detail. We have also described about the shortcomings of this technique in the presence of Earth's atmosphere. A short descriptions of the atmospheric turbulence and its effect on the flat wavefront from a stellar source is given. The formation of speckle which acts as carrier of information is defined. Laboratory experiments with phase modulation screens, as well as the resultant intensity distributions due to point source are demonstrated. The experimental method to freeze the speckles, as well as data processing techniques for both Fourier modulus and Fourier phase are described. We have also discussed the technique of the aperture synthesis using non-redundant aperture masks at the pupil plane of the telescope, emphasizing set on the comparison with speckle interferometry. The various methods of image restoration and their comparisons are also discussed. Finally, we have touched upon certain astrophysical problems which can be tackled with the newly developed speckle interferometer using the 2.34 meter Vainu Bappu Telescope (VBT), situated at the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Kavalur, India.