Bertrand Mennesson (JPL) : Some Astronomical Applications of High Accuracy Stellar Interferometry

One of the main drivers for the impressive progress seen in high contrast high angular resolution astronomy is the direct detection and characterization of Earth-like extrasolar planets. While such exquisite observations remain an exciting goal for the future, the corresponding instrument and data processing developments have already led to a number of new astronomical results. This rapid progress is based on the emergence of fairly recent techniques, such as single-mode interferometry, nulling interferometry, extreme AO, phase-mask coronagraphy, aperture masking, optical aperture synthesis etc. As the capabilities of these high contrast techniques improved over time, I have applied them to the characterization of increasingly difficult astronomical sources, ranging from late type stars upper atmospheric layers to hot debris disks and faint stellar companions. I concentrate here on some applications of high contrast stellar interferometry, as illustrated by past observations from IOTA and Keck, and on-going developments at Palomar (Fiber Nuller) and the LBTI.