next previous
Up: Integrated optics for astronomical


1 Introduction

 

Since [Froehly (1981)] proposed guided optics for astronomical interferometry, important progress has been made. In particular, the FLUOR instrument which combines two interferometric beams with single-mode fiber couplers [Coudé du Foresto (1994)] has led to astrophysical results with unprecedent precision. This experiment demonstrated the great interest of spatial filtering combined with photometric calibration to improve the visibility accuracy. More recently, [Kern et al. (1996)] suggested to combine interferometric beams with integrated optics components since this technology allows to manufacture single-mode waveguides in a planar substrate. In Paper I [Malbet et al. (1999)], we presented and discussed thoroughly the advantages and limitations of integrated optics for astronomical interferometry. To validate the latter analysis, we have performed several laboratory experiments with existing components not optimized for interferometry but allowing to get first clues on this technology. The first experimental results are reported in this paper.


next previous
Up: Integrated optics for astronomical

Copyright The European Southern Observatory (ESO)