Tomorrow optical interferometry: astrophysical prospects and instrumental issues
Abstract
Description
Interferometry has brought many new constraints in optical astronomy in the recent years. A major leap in this field is the opening of large interferometric facilities like the Very Large Telescope Interferometer and the Keck Interferometer to the astronomical community. Planning for the future is both easy --most specialists know in which directions to develop interferometry-- and difficult because of the increasing complexity of the technique. I present a short status of interferometry today. Then I detail the possible astrophysical prospects. Finally I address some important instrumental issues that are decisive for the future of interferometry.
8 pages, invited review at the "Visions in IR astronomy" conference held in Paris, 21-23 March 2006
8 pages, invited review at the "Visions in IR astronomy" conference held in Paris, 21-23 March 2006