ALADDIN: an optimized ground-based precursor for DARWIN

The ALADDIN concept is an integrated Antarctic-based L-band experiment whose purpose is to demonstrate nulling interferometry and to prepare the DARWIN mission. Because of their privileged location, the relatively modest collectors (1 m) and baseline (up to 40 m) are sufficient to achieve a sensitiv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Main Authors: Coudé du Foresto, Vincent, Absil, Olivier, Barillot, Marc, Swain, Mark
Format: Conference Object
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2006
Subjects:
Physical
chemical
mathematical & earth Sciences
Space science
astronomy & astrophysics
Physique
chimie
mathématiques & sciences de la terre
Aérospatiale
astronomie & astrophysique
Antarc*
Antarctic
Online Access:https://orbi.uliege.be/handle/2268/109783
https://orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/109783/1/coud%c3%a9.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743921306009501
Description
Summary:The ALADDIN concept is an integrated Antarctic-based L-band experiment whose purpose is to demonstrate nulling interferometry and to prepare the DARWIN mission. Because of their privileged location, the relatively modest collectors (1 m) and baseline (up to 40 m) are sufficient to achieve a sensitivity (in terms of detectable zodi levels) which is about twice better than that of a nulling instrument on a large interferometer (such as GENIE at the VLTI), and to reach the 20-zodi threshold value identified to carry out the DARWIN precursor science. These numbers are based on a preliminary design study by Alcatel Alenia Space and were obtained using the same simulation software as the one employed for GENIE. The integrated design enables top-level optimization and full access to the light collectors for the duration of the experiment, while reducing the complexity of the nulling breadboard.

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