The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar interferometer: A progress report and preliminary results from our laboratory testbed

Abstract

The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI) is a passively cooled, space-borne interferometer that has been developed for high angular resolution astrophysics in the near-to-mid IR wavelength range (3-8 microns). The scientific emphasis of the mission is on the direct detection of extrasolar giant planets, characterization of their atmospheres, and observation of secular changes in their atmospheric spectra. FKSI will also facilitate the search for brown dwarfs and Jupiter and sub-Jupiter mass planets and the study of the evolution of protostellar systems from the collapse of the precursor molecular cloud core through the formation of the disk surrounding the protostar, the formation of planets in the disk, and subsequent dispersal of the disk material. FKSI could also play a powerful role in the investigation of the structure of active galactic nuclei and extra-galactic star formation. While FKSI is a high angular resolution system complementary to JWST, it is also an important scientific and technological pathfinder for the TPF Interferometer and Darwin missions as well as NASA Vision missions SPIRIT, SPECS, and SAFIR. © 2007 Springer.