This project is to develop and install a 3-5micron imaging system in the 10microns Nulling Infrared Camera now under construction at the University of Arizona for operation at the coherent focus of the Large Binocular Telescope. Having two 8.4-meter mirrors separated by a 14.4-meter baseline on a single steerable platform enables Fizeau (direct imaging) interferometry with 30 milliarcseconds full width at half maximum at 4microns over a field of view limited only by the isoplanatic angle. The Large Binocular Telescope permits unprecedented angular resolution and that combined with the system's high infrared sensitivivity, 20 and 17.5 mag at L-prime and M band respectively, will permit a broad range of astronomical applications and potential groundbreaking science. These include being able to detect warm Jupiters in nearby (d<50parsecs) young (t<1Gigagyears) systems, investigate local and distant star formation regions, and also study ultra-luminous infrared galaxies at larger redshift.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
Application #
0704992
Program Officer
Gary Schmidt
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2007-07-01
Budget End
2011-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$257,678
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455