School on Space and Ground Based
Optical/InfraRed Interferometry
Leiden, The Netherlands, September 18-22,
2000
Optical/infrared interferometry
is the technique of coherently combining light from several ground or space-based
telescopes to obtain imaging information at a resolution that is orders of magnitudes
larger than is obtainable with a single telescope. Such a high resolution explores
a unique observational regime and therefore should provide new insights into
a wide range of astrophysical questions. At the moment two major European projects
are being conceived.
First, the European Southern Observatory is currently building the VLT
Interferometer (VLTI), which
consists of four 8-metre diameter telescopes and three 1.8-metre diameter telescopes.
Second, the European Space Agency is currently carrying out a system
level study on IRSI/Darwin,
a mission to carry out infrared interferometry in space. The aim is to build
an interferometer that consists of 6 free flying 1.8-m telescopes and is capable
of detecting earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars.
The aim of the present workshop is to give the attendees a solid overview
of
the theoretical principles of optical/IR
interferometry
the atmosphere
the existing instruments
science issues relevant to interferometry
the VLTI and DARWIN project
People accepted will
be from universities, technical laboratories and industry with a strong interest
in this field.
The lectures will be at level suitable for early Ph.D. students. The number
of attendees will be limited to 60.